Construction Of Heterostructures Research Articles

Achieving highly efficient 2D SnC monolayer-based photocatalyst for water splitting via a synergistic strategy of S-scheme heterostructure construction and silicon doping.

Owing to its stable graphene-like honeycomb structure, suitable band gap, and nontoxicity, SnC monolayer (ML) has attracted increasing attention in photocatalytic applications. One pertinent obstacle inherent to SnC ML-based photocatalysts has been the high energy barrier in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) that always requires external energy input and/or strongly acidic conditions. Herein, we propose a two-dimensional (2D) SnC/ZrS2 van der Waals heterostructure (vdWHS) for highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting using first-principles calculations. The results show that the pristine vdWHS is an S-scheme heterostructure that works in acidic conditions for water splitting owing to the high energy barrier in HER. Notably, detailed further investigations show that doping Si in the SnC ML of the vdWHS can solve this high barrier problem, leading to a high-performance low-cost photocatalyst. Our work offers a convenient strategy to solve the notorious high barrier problem in HER that often troubles the SnC ML and other 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenide MLs for the design and fabrication of highly efficient photocatalysts.

Heterointerface engineering of layered double hydroxide/MAPbBr3 heterostructures enabling tunable synapse behaviors in a two-terminal optoelectronic device.

Solution-processable semiconductor heterostructures enable scalable fabrication of high performance electronic and optoelectronic devices with tunable functions via heterointerface control. In particular, artificial optical synapses require interface manipulation for nonlinear signal processing. However, the limited combinations of materials for heterostructure construction have restricted the tunability of synaptic behaviors with simple device configurations. Herein, MAPbBr3 nanocrystals were hybridized with MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplates through a room temperature self-assembly process. The formation of such heterostructures, which exhibited an epitaxial relationship, enabled effective hole transfer from MAPbBr3 to LDH, and greatly reduced the defect states in MAPbBr3. Importantly, the ion-conductive nature of LDH and its ability to form a charged surface layer even under low humidity conditions allowed it to attract and trap holes from MAPbBr3. This imparted tunable synaptic behaviors and short-term plasticity (STP) to long-term plasticity (LTP) transition to a two-terminal device based on the LDH-MAPbBr3 heterostructures. The further neuromorphic computing simulation under varying humidity conditions showcased their potential in learning and recognition tasks under ambient conditions. Our work presents a new type of epitaxial heterostructure comprising metal halide perovskites and layered ion-conductive materials, and provides a new way of realizing charge-trapping induced synaptic behaviors.

Facile construction of type-II Sn-doping BiOCl/WO3 heterojunction with enhanced visible-light response and charge separation toward the application in photocatalysis

In order to effectively address the global environmental issue and energy crisis, developing a satisfying photocatalyst with high solar response and efficient carrier separation efficiency is promising and still challenging. In this study, a feasible and effective strategy from the perspective of multi-scale regulation that integrating element doping and heterostructure construction as well as morphology control is used to improve the degradation efficiency in antibiotic removal. A Sn4+ doped BiOCl (BOC–Sn) integrated Sn-doped WO3 (WO3–Sn) photocatalyst with propelling photocatalytic degradation for tetracycline (TC) was fabricated via one-pot thiourea-assisted hydrothermal method and as-obtained catalysts were denoted as (BOC–WO)–Sn-Tux (x is the molar amount of thiourea in the synthesis). By regulating the content of thiourea, the optimized (BOC–WO)–Sn-Tu1 photocatalyst exhibits ultrafine grain size, expanded visible-light response and fast carrier transport. Driven by visible light, the TC dissociation rate mediated by (BOC–WO)–Sn-Tu1 surpassed that of BOC-WOwith a photodegradation rate constant k-value 5.75 times higher than that of WO3–Sn. Analysis of energy band configuration in the BOC-Sn and WO3–Sn photocatalyst suggests that these modifications can effectively promote the photocarriertransport with type-II at the heterojunction interfaces and passivate trap sites that reside within the (BOC–WO)–Sn-Tu1 catalysts. Benefited from the stronger reduction potential, •O2− with high yield acts as the crucial active species in the photocatalytic reaction system verified by the trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra detection. This work opens a new route in designing an effective photocatalytic system by integrating element doping and heterostructure construction as well as morphology regulation for environmental remediation.

Highly stable and sensitive photoelectrochemical photodetectors based on a ZnO nanorod/monolayer MoS2 nanosheets heterostructure

Construction of type-II heterostructures between metal oxide nanorod arrays and narrow band gap semiconductors is a proven strategy for enlarging the surface area, shortening the diffusion length, broadening the light harvesting ability, and facilitating carrier transport, which are of great significance for photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors. A ZnO/MoS2 heterostructure was designed and fabricated via a facile hydrothermal process accompanied by chemical vapor deposition method. The ZnO nanorod/monolayer MoS2 nanosheet heterostructure was revealed with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. These heterojunction-based PEC photodetectors showed higher photoresponsivity (4.2 mA/W) than those of ZnO (∼0.9 mA/W) and MoS2 photodetectors (∼0.007 mA/W) due to its fast interfacial charge transfer and efficient light capture. Furthermore, the ZnO/MoS2 heterostructural photodetectors exhibited a maximum photoresponsivity of approximately 5.0 mA/W at 420 nm and long-term stability even over 6 h. Our work paves the way to rationally designed heterostructures for high-performance and stable photodetectors and beyond.

Designing step-scheme AgI decorated Ta2O5-x heterojunctions for boosted photodegradation of organic pollutants

Step-scheme (S-scheme) AgI decorated Ta2O5-x heterojunctions have been designed and synthesized via a combination of solvothermal and chemical deposition methods for enhanced visible-light harvesting and high-performance photocatalysis. The AgI nanoparticles showed great influences on the visible-light absorption and charge separation between AgI and Ta2O5-x microspheres. The experimental results indicated that the as-prepare AgI/Ta2O5-x composites achieved enhanced photocatalytic performance towards tetracycline degradation under visible light, and the AgI/Ta2O5-x-11 sample displayed the highest photocatalytic performance and the maximum rate constant of approximately 0.09483 min−1, which was 7.22 times that of Ta2O5-x microspheres and 2.56 times that of AgI, respectively. The highly enhanced photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to the construction of S-scheme heterostructure and formation of oxygen vacancies in Ta2O5-x microspheres. In addition, the trapping experimental and DMPO spin-trapping ESR spectra confirmed the ⸱O2− and ⸱OH species as the main radicals during tetracycline degradation. Current work indicates an S-scheme tantalum-based composites for high-performance environmental photocatalysis.

MoS2/MoO3 heterojunctions enabled by surface oxidization of MoS2 nanosheets for high-performance room-temperature NO2 gas sensing

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as ideal candidates for room-temperature gas sensing due to their remarkable semiconductor properties. However, bare TMDs typically exhibit drawbacks such as low sensitivity, slow response, and low recovery speeds, which limit their applicability. In comparison to single materials, enhancing the sensing performance of the material can be achieved through the realization of heterostructures. Therefore, the key to improving the performance of metal-sulfide gas sensors lies in the controlled construction of unique heterostructures. In this work, surface heterostructures composed of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoflowers loaded with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) enabled are realized through the surface oxidization of MoS2 nanosheets for high-performance room-temperature detection of NO2 gas. The heterostructures were easily constructed by oxidizing flower-like MoS2 using a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution. The gas sensor based on the MoS2/MoO3 heterojunction exhibits a response of 18.9 % to 1 ppm NO2, which is nine times higher than that of the MoS2 sensor (2.1 %). Furthermore, even at a NO2 concentration as low as 50 ppb, the sensor response can reach 6.9 %. The sensor displays good repeatability and excellent selectivity. The enhanced gas-sensing performance of the MoS2/MoO3 heterostructure may result from the unique structure of MoS2 and the p-n heterojunction formed at the interfaces. The proposed design strategy and the surface heterostructure constructed in this work can provide guidance for the development of high-performance gas-sensitive materials and devices.

Phosphorus-doped synergy of phase change in heterogeneous catalysts of NiS–NiS2 for efficient electrocatalysis of Pb(II)

A fundamental understanding of the electroanalytical activity of transition metal sulfide electrocatalysts, especially the origin of the electrocatalytic reactivity on the surface sites of heterostructures with multiple crystalline phases, is essential for the design of low-cost and highly efficient nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for further scientific and technological achievements. Herein, we injected P into NiS and occupied the S sites through a doping strategy. The redistributed electronic structure induced the construction of heterostructures, which significantly improved the structure and chemical state of electrochemically inert NiS. The phase-change mechanism between NiS and NiS2 synergistically catalyzes Pb(II), while the P and S sites jointly lose electrons. Moreover, the constructed heterojunction sensor shows the a sensitivity of 83.43 μA μM−1 to Pb(II) with a theoretical limit of detection of 48 nM, as well as excellent stability, reproducibility, and anti-interference ability. The accurate detection in real water further reveals the potential of this sensor for practical applications. This study provides a guiding strategy for improving electrochemically inert materials to design highly active electrocatalytic interfaces, which has important implications for the development of highly efficient electrode-sensitive materials similar to precious metals to achieve accurate electrical analysis.

Synthesis of Cu2-xSe-MoSe2 Edge-Epitaxial Heterostructure for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

The exposure of active edge sites of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) in TMD-based heterostructures is essential to enhance the catalytic activity toward electrochemical catalytic hydrogen evolution (HER). The construction of TMD-based edge-epitaxial heterostructures can maximally expose the active edge sites. However, owing to the 2D crystal structures, it remains a great challenge to vertically align layered TMDs on non-layered metal chalcogenides. Herein, the synthesis of Cu2-xSe-MoSe2 edge-epitaxial heterostructure is reported by a facile one-pot wet-chemical method. A high density of MoSe2 nanosheets grown vertically to the <111>Cu2-xSe on the surface of Cu2-xSe nanocrystals is observed. Such edge-epitaxial configuration allows the exposure of abundant active edge sites of MoSe2 and enhances the changer transfer between MoSe2 and Cu2-xSe. As a result, the obtained Cu2-xSe-MoSe2 epitaxial heterostructures show excellent HER performance as compared to that of Cu2-xSe@1T/2H-MoSe2 core@shell heterostructure with similar size. This work not only offers a novel approach for designing efficient electrochemical catalysis but also enriches the diversity of TMD-based heterostructures, holding promise for various applications in the future.

Controllable construction of direct Z-scheme Mo2C-CdxZn1−xIn2S4 heterojunction via defect-mediated modulation for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis

Direct Z-scheme semiconductor heterostructures possess fascinating merits for solar photocatalysis, including increased light harvesting, spatially isolated photogenerated charge carriers, and well-preserved strong redox capability. However, steering Z-scheme charge transfer of semiconductor heterojunction in a controllable manner is still a challenging task. In this work, unique direct Z-scheme Mo2C-CdxZn1−xIn2S4 heterojunction is constructed via a defect-mediated modulating strategy, where Cd-doping switches the charge transfer mode of Mo2C-CdxZn1−xIn2S4 heterojunction from type-I to Z-scheme through increasing S vacancies, up-shifting conduction band level, and narrowing bandgap of CdxZn1−xIn2S4 component. Moreover, the defect-induced Mo-S bond affords fast channels for built-in electric field-induced Z-scheme photo-electrons transporting from Mo2C conduction band to CdxZn1−xIn2S4 valence band, supporting by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface photovoltage spectroscopy, and radical testing results. Noticeably, under irradiation of visible light (λ > 400 nm), Mo2C-CdxZn1−xIn2S4 Z-scheme heterojunction displays an excellent and stable photocatalytic H2-evolving activity, reaching an outstanding H2 generation rate of 28.12 mmol·g−1·h−1 with the corresponding high apparent quantum efficiency of 21.1% at 400 nm, far surpassing that of Pt-loaded C0.25ZIS and most documented ZnIn2S4-containing photocatalysts. The present work could inspire the crafty design of efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts through defect-mediated heterostructure construction and energy band engineering.

Facile synthesis of Bi NPs modified BiVO4/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction for PEC water splitting

Solar energy is used as a driving force to create electron-hole pairs on the surface of electrodes, releasing hydrogen and oxygen through oxidative reductionism, which can directly generate clean energy by a lower resource and environmental costs. The novel ternary photoanode was successfully prepared by Bi nanoparticles modified on BiVO4/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction using simple and effective SILAR and impregnation reduction method. Based on the successful construction of heterostructure to accelerate the separation of electron-hole pairs, the addition of plasmonic nanoarchitectures can effectively capture photons and improve the water oxidation performance of semiconductors through the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The ternary photoanode shows a significant improvement with bare BiVO4 photoanode, its photocurrent density reachs 2.72 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), which is 4.2 times higher than that of pure BiVO4 photoanode (0.65 mA cm−2). The IPCE and the ABPE are substantially increased by 2.7 times and 5 times higher than single component, respectively.

Amorphous-crystalline heterostructures enable energy-level matching of cobalt sulfide/nickel iron layered double hydroxide for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Interface engineering of heterostructures has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the catalytic activity of nonprecious electrocatalysts. Herein, a novel amorphous cobalt sulfide-crystalline nickel iron layered double hydroxide (a-CoS@NiFe-LDH) hybrid material is presented for application as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Benefitting from the well-matched energy level structures, the a-CoS@NiFe-LDH catalyst delivers a low overpotential of 221 ± 14 mV at an OER current density of 20 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 83.1 mV dec-1, showing good OER properties. First-principle computations reveal that the electronic interaction between amorphous cobalt sulfide (a-CoS) and crystalline nickel iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) components within a-CoS@NiFe-LDH promotes the adsorbate evolution mechanism and reduces the adsorption energies for oxygen intermediates, thereby enhancing the activity and stability for OER. This work opens up a new avenue to enhance the OER catalytic efficiency via the construction of amorphous-crystalline heterostructures.

MOF-Derived In2O3 Microrod-Decorated MgIn2S4 Nanosheets: Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline.

The construction of Z-scheme heterostructures using matching band semiconductors is an effective strategy for producing highly efficient photocatalysts. In this study, MgIn2S4(MIS) was grown in situ on In2O3 microrods created with an In-based MOF material (In-MIL-68) as a template to successfully establish a unique MIS-In2O3 heterojunction with a well-matched Z-scheme interface charge transfer channel. Tetracycline (TC) as a typical antibiotic was chosen as the target pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic activity. After 120 min of visible light irradiation, the MIS-In2O3-(10:1) material had the greatest photocatalytic degradation activity of tetracycline with 96.55%, which was 2.39 and 4.26 times that of MIS and In2O3, respectively. The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the in situ growth of MIS on In2O3, forming a Z-scheme heterojunction at the interface, which not only increases the specific surface area, exposes the abundant active site, and improves light utilization but also facilitates the migration and separation of photogenic carriers. The photocatalytic degradation products of TC were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and a preliminary degradation pathway was proposed. Radical capture experiments and ESR analysis confirmed that the main active species were holes (h+), superoxide radicals (•O2-), and superoxide and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Finally, combined with band position analysis, this study proposes a direct Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism to improve the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in MIS under visible light.

Ru single-atom regulated Ni(OH)2 nanowires coupled with FeOOH to achieve highly efficient overall water splitting at industrial current density

Developing cost-effective catalysts with exceptional catalytic performance for water electrolysis is of great value but challenging. Here, we developed a bifunctional electrocatalyst that coupled Ru single atoms (RuSAs) doped Ni(OH)2 with FeOOH clusters to form a porous nanowires heterostructure, denoted as RuSAs/Ni(OH)2@FeOOH (i.e. RNF). The experimental results show that the RuSAs doping modulates the electronic configuration of Ni(OH)2, and the successful construction of RNF heterostructures further enhances the electronic interactions. Theoretical calculations show that the synergy of RuSAs doped Ni(OH)2 and FeOOH not only improves charge transfer capability but also accelerates the dissociation of water, optimizing the adsorption free energy of adsorbed intermediates in the electrochemical process, leading to superior bifunctional electrocatalytic performance. For the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER), RNF only needs overpotentials of 267 and 386 mV to realize 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, significantly superior to commercial Pt/C and RuO2. Furthermore, a homemade alkaline electrolyzer assembled with RNF electrodes as anode and cathode, which only needs a voltage of 1.88 V to achieve 1000 mA cm−2, and exhibits good stability. This study proposes a guide for preparing exceptional dual-function electrocatalysts for industrial-level water electrolysis.

Construction of NBFT-gradient NBZxT heterostructures to improve film relaxation properties and energy storage performance

In this paper, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3(NBT), Na0.5Bi0.5(Ti1-xFex)O3 (x = 0.02, 0.03, 0.04), and Na0.5Bi0.5Ti0.97Fe0.03O3/(Na0.5Bi0.5Ti0.99Zr0.01O3/Na0.5Bi0.5Ti0.98Zr0.02O3/Na0.5Bi0.5Ti0.97Zr0.03O3) (abbreviated as NBFT/NBZxT) heterostructures were prepared on top-to-bottom Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by the sol–gel method. All films exhibit a pure chalcogenide structure. When 3 % Fe3+ was doped into the pure NBT film, an energy storage efficiency (η) of 49.74 % was obtained. The NBFT/NBZxT heterostructure was further constructed with an energy storage efficiency of 65 %, attributed to the local nonhomogeneity induced by the Zr4+ concentration difference, which formed a relaxing ferroelectric and delayed the saturation polarization. From the experimental results, NBT-based ferroelectric thin films have great application prospects in the field of energy storage.

SnSe2/NiSe2@N‐Doped Carbon Yolk‐Shell Heterostructure Construction and Selenium Vacancies Engineering for Ultrastable Sodium‐Ion Storage

AbstractTin diselenide, a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), still faces sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and severe volume change, resulting in undesirable cycling stability and rate capability. Heterostructure construction is an effective strategy for boosting Na+ storage of SnSe2. Herein, an appealing yolk‐shell nanostructure of SnSe2/NiSe2 heterointerface with rich Se vacancies embedded into N‐doped carbon (SnSe2/NiSe2@NC) is precisely designed through a facile hydrothermal process followed by a selenization strategy. The experimental studies coupled with theoretical calculations results verify that the heterostructure interfaces and Se vacancies accelerate the charge and Na+ transfer efficiency, improve Na+ adsorption energy and supply ample active sites. The yolk‐shell nanostructure and N‐doped carbon buffer the volume variation and improve the structural stability of the electrode material during sodium storage processes. The SnSe2/NiSe2@NC delivers ultra‐long term cycling stability (322.7 mAh g−1 after 7500 cycles at 3 A g−1) and exceptional rate capability (314.6 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). The Na‐ion storage mechanism of SnSe2/NiSe2@NC is explored through in situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. The present work provides an effective avenue to the rational design of heterostructure anode materials for high efficiency SIBs.

Heterostructured flower‐like NiO/Co3O4 microspheres modified by bifunctional carbon quantum dots as a battery‐type cathode for high energy and power density hybrid supercapacitors

AbstractHybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) comprising a battery‐type cathode and capacitive anode have recently become a research hotspot. Nevertheless, the low capacity utilization, poor kinetic behavior, and unstable structure of a single battery‐type oxide cathode restrict the overall performance of the device. Herein, the carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified NiO/Co3O4 heterostructured flower‐like microspheres are constructed, and enhanced specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling performance are achieved when used as the cathode for HSCs. This is attributed to the fact that the modification of bifunctional CQDs as size regulators and conductive agents and the construction of heterostructure can not only improve the specific surface area and provide more electroactive sites, thereby enhancing the charge storage performance but also regulate the electronic structure and boost the interface charge transfer capability and electronic conductivity, thereby boosting the reaction kinetics and cycle stability. The enhanced electrochemical kinetic behavior is revealed by electrochemical kinetic analyses based on cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests and density functional theory calculations. Meanwhile, the electrochemical reaction process and energy storage mechanism are illustrated by ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations. Furthermore, an HSC is further constructed using the CQDs/NiO/Co3O4 heterostructured flower‐like microspheres as the cathode, simultaneously achieving high energy density (40.9 Wh kg−1), high power density (24 kW kg−1), and splendid cyclic stability (94.2% capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1). These synergistic modification strategies of bifunctional CQDs modification and heterostructure design provide a valuable direction for the design and development of HSCs with both high energy density and high power density.

Copper-Loaded Nanoheterojunction Enables Superb Orthotopic Osteosarcoma Therapy via Oxidative Stress and Cell Cuproptosis.

Catalytic tumor therapy based on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials is a burgeoning and promising tumor therapeutic modality. However, the inefficient utilization and conversion of exogenous stimulation, single catalytic modality, and unsatisfactory therapeutic efficiency in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have seriously restricted their further application in tumor therapy. Herein, the heterogeneous carbon nitride-based nanoagent named T-HCN@CuMS was successfully developed, which dramatically improved the efficiency of the tumor therapeutic modality. Benefiting from the donor-acceptor (triazine-heptazine) structure within the heterogeneous carbon nitride nanosheets (HCN) and the construction of interplanar heterostructure with copper loaded metallic molybdenum bisulfide nanosheets (CuMS), T-HCN@CuMS presented a favorable photo-induced catalytic property to generate abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. Besides, the choice of CuMS simultaneously enabled this nanoagent to efficiently catalyze the Fenton-like reaction and trigger cell cuproptosis, a recently recognized regulated cell death mode characterized by imbalanced intracellular copper homeostasis and aggregation of lipoylated mitochondrial proteins. Moreover, upon surface modification with cRGDfk-PEG2k-DSPE, T-HCN@CuMS was prepared and endowed with improved dispersibility and αvβ3 integrins targeting ability. In general, through the rational design, T-HCN@CuMS was facilely prepared and had achieved satisfactory antitumor and antimetastasis outcomes both in vitro and in a high-metastatic orthotopic osteosarcoma model. This strategy could offer an idea to treat malignant diseases based on 2D nanomaterials.

Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Self‐Assembly of Luminescent Pyromellitic Dianhydride‐Based Charge‐Transfer Complexes

AbstractUsing easily hydrolyzable brominated pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as an electron acceptor, a wide variety of structurally stable binary organic charge‐transfer (CT) microcrystals that are stabilized by dominant intermolecular CT interactions is achieved. By varying the electron‐donating abilities of π‐electron compounds, the resulting single crystalline CT assemblies display tailorable fluorescence emissions spanning from green to near‐infrared. Upon implantation of a π‐electron donor anthracene (An) into fluoranthene‐PMDA (Fl‐PMDA), red and NIR emissions of ternary alloyed assemblies are substantially enhanced due to efficient energy transfer from Fl‐PMDA to An‐PMDA as well as structural complementarity between two CT complexes. Depending on the well‐matched epitaxial relationship, seeded growth of phenanthrene‐PMDA (Ph‐PMDA) onto the pre‐existing An‐PMDA microcrystals is also achieved, leading to core‐shell heterostructures with full and partial coverage. Such an epitaxial growth strategy is also applicable to the construction of microscale heterostructures of diverse CT complex combinations. The ternary Fl1−xAnx‐PMDA alloyed assemblies display composition‐dependent tailorable optical waveguiding behaviors. While An‐PMDA@Ph‐PMDA core‐shell microrods present wavelength‐dependent two‐photon excited fluorescence performances. The rational creation of these homogeneous and heterogeneous CT‐assembled architectures provides us a deep insight to investigate multicomponent functional organic cocrystals.

Rational construction of 2D heterostructures: Niobium carbide entangled rGO aerogel for the detection of para nitroaniline isomer in environmental water samples

4-Nitroaniline (4-NTA) is considered to be an environmental pollutant that is extremely hazardous to the ecosystem which is found in an inclusive range of industrial chemicals that includes dyes, pigments, fungicides, and pesticides. When 4-NTA occurs in water it seems to be highly carcinogenic to human beings. In consequence, there's a critical need for monitoring and identifying ecologically highly hazardous 4-NTA, specifically in water samples. Herein, the design of a novel niobium carbide/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (NC/rGO-A) was prepared to perform effective electrochemical recognition of 4-NTA in environmental water samples. The specific features of rGO-A with high porosity, and higher electrical conductivity, when coordinated with metal carbide, will sufficiently provide higher active sites resulting in excellent performances. Various methods of investigation have been employed to identify the physical and chemical characteristics. The fabricated NC/rGO-A sample over the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) has been subjected to sensing investigation with a wide linear range of 0.039−1602 µM with good sensitivity 27.96 μA μM−1 cm2, the limit of detection at 4.6 nM for 4-NTA detection. Furthermore, the designed 4-NTA sensing exhibited excellent anti-interference, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. The as-developed sensor's electrochemical analysis outcomes indicate the superior performance inherent in the developed composites.

First-principles investigations of structural and electronic properties of SnAs/SnAsCl heterostructure

In this work, we investigate the tunable structural and electronic properties of SnAs monolayer through chlorinated functionalization and the SnAs/SnAsCl heterostructure construction. Through chlorinated functionalization, we observe a remarkable transformation of the SnAs monolayer into a semiconducting SnAsCl monolayer with a direct band gap of 1.32 eV. This demonstrates the potential for controlling and tuning the electronic properties of SnAs through surface functionalization. Moreover, depending on the specific stacking patterns in the SnAs/SnAsCl heterostructure, we observe the formation of either Ohmic contact or Schottky contact. Particularly noteworthy is the presence of ultra-low Schottky barriers, measured at 0.03 eV, charge transport efficiency and improving device performance. The SnAs/SnAsCl heterostructure exhibits small tunneling probability, indicating a relatively low electron transparency. These findings pave the way for the development of high-performance electronic devices utilizing these heterostructures and offer promising opportunities for future technological advancements.