Solvent Polarity-Induced Regulation of Cation Solvation Sheaths for High-Voltage Zinc-Based Batteries with a 1.94 V Discharge Platform.

To address the challenge of low discharge platforms (<1.5 V) in aqueous zinc-based batteries, highly concentrated salts have been explored due to their wide electrochemical window (~3 V). However, these electrolytes mainly prevent hydrogen evolution and dendrite growth at the anode without significantly enhancing voltage performance.

Coordination engineering of single-atom ruthenium in 2D MoS for enhanced hydrogen evolution.

This study investigates the enhancement of catalytic activity in single-atom catalysts (SACs) through coordination engineering. By introducing non-metallic atoms (X = N, O, or F) into the basal plane of MoS defect engineering and subsequently anchoring hetero-metallic Ru atoms, we created 10 types of non-metal-coordinated Ru SACs (Ru-X-MoS). Computations indicate that non-metal atom X significantly modifies the electronic structure of Ru, optimizing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Dynamic coordination engineering of 2D PhenPtCl nanosheets for superior hydrogen evolution.

Exploring the dynamic structural evolution of electrocatalysts during reactions represents a fundamental objective in the realm of electrocatalytic mechanism research. In pursuit of this objective, we synthesized PhenPtCl nanosheets, revealing a N-Pt-Cl coordination structure through various characterization techniques. Remarkably, the electrocatalytic performance of these PhenPtCl nanosheets for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) surpasses that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst across the entire pH range.

Atomic-level polarization in electric fields of defects for electrocatalysis.

The thriving field of atomic defect engineering towards advanced electrocatalysis relies on the critical role of electric field polarization at the atomic scale. While this is proposed theoretically, the spatial configuration, orientation, and correlation with specific catalytic properties of materials are yet to be understood. Here, by targeting monolayer MoS rich in atomic defects, we pioneer the direct visualization of electric field polarization of such atomic defects by combining advanced electron microscopy with differential phase contrast technology.

Interlayer Coupling in Anisotropic/Isotropic Van der Waals Heterostructures of ReS and WS.

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are composed of atomically thin layers assembled through weak (vdW) force, which have opened a new era for integrating materials with distinct properties and specific applications. However, few studies have focused on whether and how anisotropic materials affect heterostructure system. The study introduces anisotropic and isotropic materials in a heterojunction system to change the in-plane symmetry, offering a new degree of freedom for modulating its properties.

Activating the Electrocatalysis of MoS Basal Plane for Hydrogen Evolution via Atomic Defect Configurations.

Point defects of heteroatoms and vacancies can activate the inert basal plane of molybdenum sulfide (MoS ) to improve its performance on catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the synergy between heteroatoms and vacancies is still unclear. Here, a chemical vapor deposition-assisted in situ vanadium (V) doping method is used to synthesize monolayer MoS with abundant and tunable vacancies and V-dopants in the lattice.

Frenkel-defected monolayer MoS catalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution.

Defect engineering is an effective strategy to improve the activity of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide base planes toward electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, we report a Frenkel-defected monolayer MoS catalyst, in which a fraction of Mo atoms in MoS spontaneously leave their places in the lattice, creating vacancies and becoming interstitials by lodging in nearby locations. Unique charge distributions are introduced in the MoS surface planes, and those interstitial Mo atoms are more conducive to H adsorption, thus greatly promoting the HER activity of monolayer MoS base planes.

Seamlessly Splicing Metallic Sn Mo S at MoS Edge for Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Performance in Microreactor.

Accurate design of the 2D metal-semiconductor (M-S) heterostructure via the covalent combination of appropriate metallic and semiconducting materials is urgently needed for fabricating high-performance nanodevices and enhancing catalytic performance. Hence, the lateral epitaxial growth of M-S Sn Mo S/MoS heterostructure is precisely prepared with in situ growth of metallic Sn Mo S by doping Sn atoms at semiconductor MoS edge via one-step chemical vapor deposition. The atomically sharp interface of this heterostructure exhibits clearly distinguished performance based on a series of characterizations.

Shape-Engineered Synthesis of Atomically Thin 1T-SnS Catalyzed by Potassium Halides.

Shape engineering plays a crucial role in the application of two-dimensional (2D) layered metal dichalcogenide (LMD) crystalline materials in terms of physical and chemical property modulation. However, controllable growth of 1T phase tin disulfide (SnS) with multifarious morphologies has rarely been reported and remains challenging. Herein, we report a direct synthesis of large-size, uniform, and atomically thin 1T-SnS with multiple morphologies by adding potassium halides a facile chemical vapor deposition process.