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Transition metal dichalcogenide-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures for visible-light-driven photocatalysis: Dimensionality and interface engineering

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Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are emerging as promising building blocks of high-performance photocatalysts for visible-light-driven water splitting because of their unique physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties. This review focuses on the fundamentals of 2D TMDC-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures and their unique properties as visible-light-driven photocatalysts from the perspective of dimensionality and interface engineering. First, we discuss the approaches and advantages of surface modification and functionalization of 2D TMDCs for photocatalytic water splitting under visible-light illumination. We then classify the strategies for improving the photocatalytic activity of 2D TMDCs via combination with various low-dimensional nanomaterials to form mixed-dimensional heterostructures. Further, we highlight recent advances in the use of these mixed-dimensional heterostructures as high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalysts, particularly focusing on synthesis routes, modification approaches, and physiochemical mechanisms for improving their photoactivity. Finally, we provide our perspectives on future opportunities and challenges in promoting real-world photocatalytic applications of 2D TMDC-based heterostructures.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (No. 15304519), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11904306), and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (No. 1-ZVH9). The authors also thank the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. 2019B02414 and 2019B44214) and PAPD, and Open Foundation of Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, MOE (No. KLIEEE-18-02). The authors thank Dr. Romana Schirhagl and Miss Chuyi Xie for their careful proofreading of this article.

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Gan, X., Lei, D., Ye, R. et al. Transition metal dichalcogenide-based mixed-dimensional heterostructures for visible-light-driven photocatalysis: Dimensionality and interface engineering. Nano Res. 14, 2003–2022 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-020-2955-x

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