Direct synthesis of controllable ultrathin heteroatoms-intercalated 2D layered materials.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials have been studied in depth during the past two decades due to their unique structure and properties. Transition metal (TM) intercalation of layered materials have been proven as an effective way to introduce new physical properties, such as tunable 2D magnetism, but the direct growth of atomically thin heteroatoms-intercalated layered materials remains untapped. Herein, we directly synthesize various ultrathin heteroatoms-intercalated 2D layered materials (UHI-2DMs) through flux-assisted growth (FAG) approach.

Precise Atomic Structure Regulation of Single-Atom Platinum Catalysts toward Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Noble metal single-atom-catalysts (SACs) have demonstrated significant potential to improve atom utilization efficiency and catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, challenges still remain in rationally modulating active sites and catalytic activities of SACs, which often results in sluggish kinetics and poor stability, especially in neutral/alkaline media. Herein, precise construction of Pt single atoms anchored on edge of 2D layered Ni(OH) (Pt-Ni(OH)-E) is achieved utilizing in situ electrodeposition.

Twisted Bilayer Graphene Induced by Intercalation.

Twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) has gained significant attention due to its unique physical and electronic properties. However, efficient fabrication of high-quality tBLG with diverse twist angles is crucial to expedite research on angle-dependent physics and potential applications. In this study, an intercalation strategy utilizing organic molecules, such as 1,2-dichloroethane, is developed to weaken the interlayer interaction and induce slide or rotation of the topmost graphene layer for tBLG fabrication.

Ultrathin Fe-ReS Nanosheets as Electrocatalysts for Accelerating Sulfur Reduction in Li-S Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are promising next-generation energy storage systems with high theoretical specific capacity. Despite extensive research efforts, it is still challenging to rationally design electrocatalysts with fast kinetics and effective adsorption of polysulfides. Herein, Fe-doped ReS (Fe-ReS) ultrathin nanosheets are prepared as an electrocatalyst to trap the intermediates and accelerate the sulfur reduction reaction kinetics.

Ni(OH) Templated Synthesis of Ultrathin Ni S Nanosheets as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting.

Ultrathin nickel (Ni)-based sulfide nanosheets have been reported as excellent electrocatalysts for overall water splitting; however, the uncontrollability over thickness due to the nonlayered structure still hampers its practical application. Herein, a simple topochemical conversion strategy is employed to synthesize cobalt-doped Ni S (Co-Ni S ) ultrathin nanosheets on Ni foam. The Co-Ni S nanosheets are controlled synthesized by using Co-Ni(OH) ultrathin nanosheets as templates with anneal and sulfurization treatment, showing exceptional electrocatalytic activity.

In-Situ Formed Protecting Layer from Organic/Inorganic Concrete for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes.

In this work, a separator modified by composite material of graphite fluoride nanosheets and poly(vinylidene difluoride) (GFNs-PVDF) is fabricated to in-situ construct a protective layer on Li metal anodes. The much-improved mechanical properties of this organic/inorganic protecting layer ensure efficient restriction on the growth of Li dendrites. The LiF and graphene nanosheets generated by the reaction of GFNs with lithium metal can not only provide fast transport channels for Li ions but also protect the Li metal anode from continuous corrosion of electrolytes.

Perylene diimide-functionalized CeO nanocomposite as a peroxidase mimic for colorimetric determination of hydrogen peroxide and glutathione.

A novel perylene diimide (PDI) functionalized CeO nanocomposite (NC) was successfully fabricated via one-pot hydrothermal method. Compared with pure CeO nanoparticles (CeO NPs), the NC catalyst presents more Ce and active oxygen species and exhibits a higher peroxidase mimicking activity towards the oxidation 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine by HO to form a blue product with an absorption maximum at 652 nm. The composite catalyst shows high sensitivity and selectivity toward HO determination in the range of 20 to 80 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.