Synthetic methods and potential applications of transition metal dichalcogenide/graphene nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene (Gr) has a large specific surface area, high conductivity, high chemical stability, and mechanical strength. These desirable properties greatly facilitate the application of Gr in many fields, especially physics, chemistry, and materials science. To extend the applications of Gr, nanocomposites of Gr conjugated with metals, polymers, and semiconductors have been prepared in recent years, which have been applied extensively in significant areas such as energy storage, nanoelectronic devices, and sensors. During the latest decade, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)/Gr nanocomposites have attracted increasing attention and developed rapidly as a hot research area because of their excellent properties and promising applications. This review systematically summarizes the synthetic methods and potential applications of TMDs/Gr nanocomposites. First, the structures and properties of TMDs/Gr nanocomposites are introduced. Second, synthetic methods for TMDs/Gr nanocomposites with different compositions and structures are summarized, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, chemical vapor deposition, microwave-assisted, and dry/wet transfer methods. Third, the potential applications of different TMDs/Gr nanocomposites in important fields are highlighted in electronic and optical devices, such as rechargeable batteries, hydrogen evolution reactions, solar photovoltaic cells, supercapacitors, electronic devices, and sensors. Finally, this review considers the advantages and disadvantages of different synthetic methods as well as the applications of TMDs/Gr nanocomposites. Possible future research areas related to the synthetic methods and applications of TMDs/Gr nanocomposites are suggested.