Transition‐Metal Chalcogenide/Graphene Ensembles for Light‐Induced Energy Applications

Abstract

Recently, nanomaterials that harvest solar energy and convert it to other forms of energy are of great interest. In this context, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have recently been in the spotlight due to their optoelectronic properties that render them potential candidates mainly in energy conversion applications. Integration of TMCs onto a strong electron-accepting material, such as graphene, yielding novel TMC/graphene ensembles is of high significance, since photoinduced charge-transfer phenomena, leading to intra-ensemble charge separation, may occur. In this review, we highlight the utility of TMC/graphene ensembles, with a specific focus on latest trends in applications, while their synthetic routes are also discussed. In fact, TMC/graphene ensembles are photocatalytically active and superior as compared to intact TMCs analogues, when examined toward photocatalytic H evolution, dye degradation and redox transformations of organic compounds. Moreover, TMC/graphene ensembles have shown excellent prospect when employed in photovoltaics and biosensing applications. Finally, the future prospects of such materials are outlined.

Molecular Functionalization of Two‐Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets

“…Besides interfacing with graphene monolayers, [43] C 60 -intercalated MoS 2 nanosheets promoting efficient charge separation at the C 60 /MoS 2 interfaces were reported. Besides interfacing with graphene monolayers, [43] C 60 -intercalated MoS 2 nanosheets promoting efficient charge separation at the C 60 /MoS 2 interfaces were reported.…”

Sulfur-doped graphene/transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructured hybrids with electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…Graphene, due to its large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and high chemical stability, has been widely employed as supporting material for electrocatalysts in general 24 and for TMDs in particular. 18,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] In the same context, introduction of heteroatoms within the sp 2 hybridized carbon network of graphene alters its electrical properties, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic activity. The enhanced catalytic activity of graphene-doped materials is attributed to the electronegativity difference between carbon and the doping element, which polarizes the adjacent carbon atoms in the graphene lattice, hence potentially facilitating the HER.…”

Bottom‐Up Synthesized MoS2 Interfacing Polymer Carbon Nanodots with Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution

“…Furthermore, 1T‐MoS 2 exhibits much higher conductivity allowing improved electron transfer. Hybridization with conductive substrates such as graphene can further increase electron transfer and subsequently promote HER efficiency …”