Interface Engineering Research Articles

Physicochemical Modulations in MXenes for Carbon Dioxide Mitigation and Hydrogen Generation: Tandem Dialogue between Theoretical Anticipations and Experimental Evidences

The dawn of MXenes has fascinated researchers under their intriguing physicochemical attributes that govern their energy and environmental applications. Modifications in the physicochemical properties of MXenes pave the way for efficient energy-driven operations such as carbon capture and hydrogen generation. The physicochemical modulations such as interface engineering through van der Waals coupling with homo/hetero-junctions render the tunability of optoelectronic variables driving the photochemical and electrochemical processes. Herein, we have reviewed the recent achievements in physicochemical properties of MXenes by highlighting the role of intercalants/terminal groups, atomic defects, surface chemistry and few/mono-layer formation. Recent findings of MXenes-based materials are systematically surveyed in a tandem manner with the future outlook for constructing next-generation multi-functional catalytic systems. Theoretical modelling of MXenes surface engineering proffers the mechanistic comprehension of surface phenomena such as termination, interface formation, doping and functionalization, thereby enabling the researchers to exploit them for targeted applications. Therefore, theoretical anticipations and experimental evidences of electrochemical/photochemical carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions are synergistically discussed.

Shape-Morphing in Oxide Ceramic Kirigami Nanomembranes.

Interfacial strain engineering in ferroic nanomembranes can broaden the scope of ferroic nanomembrane assembly as well as facilitate the engineering of multiferroic-based devices with enhanced functionalities. Geometrical engineering in these material systems enables the realization of 3-D architectures with unconventional physical properties. Here, 3-D multiferroic architectures are introduced by incorporating barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) bilayer nanomembranes. Using photolithography and substrate etching techniques, complex 3-D microarchitectures including helices, arcs, and kirigami-inspired frames are developed. These 3-D architectures exhibit remarkable mechanical deformation capabilities, which can be attributed to the superelastic behavior of the membranes and geometric configurations. It is also demonstrated that dynamic shape reconfiguration of these nanomembrane architectures under electron beam exposure showcases their potential as electrically actuated microgrippers and for other micromechanical applications. This research highlights the versatility and promise of multi-dimensional ferroic nanomembrane architectures in the fields of micro actuation, soft robotics, and adaptive structures, paving the way for incorporating these architectures into stimulus-responsive materials and devices.

Synthesizing a three Layer Architectural Framework for Adaptive Intelligent User Interfaces for the Disabled Community

Knowledge acquisition has been a bottleneck in the design for efficient User Interfaces for Disabled Community. The best suited interfaces have been oriented towards adaptability that is the User Interface needs to adapt and configure itself according to the needs and likes of the user. Such user interfaces can arouse interest in the mind of the disabled and motivate them to become an asset to the nation, and use their intellect to contribute to the society. This study pioneers an innovative approach, aiming to develop User Interfaces (UIs) for the Disabled Community. The research introduces a comprehensive three-layer architectural framework employing Learning, Trust, and Knowledge Models. Unlike conventional approaches, this Architectural Framework is designed to learn not only from the Disabled but also from their Assistants/Guides, employing principles of knowledge engineering. While the former offers static context, the latter contributes dynamic insights by observing behaviors, responses, and actions of the Disabled. This symbiotic relationship forms the foundational basis for developing intelligent adaptive UI’s that not only accommodate but actively engage and motivate the Disabled Community. The proposed research methodology involves a meticulous gathering of data through extensive user studies and interactions. By using the Human Computer Interface technology, the study aims to develop a robust framework capable of comprehensively understanding the preferences, needs, and nuances of disabled users. The expected outcomes include the development of a prototype adaptive UI, validated through rigorous testing and feedback from the disabled community. Additionally, the study anticipates contributing a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for designing intelligent adaptive UIs, ensuring comfort and ease for impaired users, boosting their confidence and encouraging greater involvement in socio-development activities.

Photo-ferroelectric perovskite interfaces for boosting VOC in efficient perovskite solar cells

Interface engineering is the core of device optimization, and this is particularly true for perovskite photovoltaics (PVs). The steady improvement in their performance has been largely driven by careful manipulation of interface chemistry to reduce unwanted recombination. Despite that, PVs devices still suffer from unavoidable open circuit voltage (VOC) losses. Here, we propose a different approach by creating a photo-ferroelectric perovskite interface. By engineering an ultrathin ferroelectric two-dimensional perovskite (2D) which sandwiches a perovskite bulk, we exploit the electric field generated by external polarization in the 2D layer to enhance charge separation and minimize interfacial recombination. As a result, we observe a net gain in the device VOC reaching 1.21 V, the highest value reported to date for highly efficient perovskite PVs, leading to a champion efficiency of 24%. Modeling depicts a coherent matching of the crystal and electronic structure at the interface, robust to defect states and molecular reorientation. The interface physics is finely tuned by the photoferroelectric field, representing a new tool for advanced perovskite device design.

High thermal and mechanical properties of carbon fiber network reinforced copper matrix composites achieved by configuration design and interface engineering

Constructing three-dimensional (3D) fillers within the matrix represents a highly promising strategy for achieving excellent comprehensive performance. In this study, the possibility of implementing 3D network configuration in carbon fiber/copper (CF/Cu) composites is explored. A novel composite structure was developed through template-electrodeposition and hot-pressing sintering techniques, incorporating a 3D CF network within the Cu matrix. Additionally, tungsten carbide (WC) coating was applied to the CF surface using molten salt method. Research findings indicate that the 3D CF networks establish continuous heat flow channels within the Cu matrix, while the WC coating mitigates the interfacial thermal resistance by improving CF-Cu interface bonding. The 3D-CF(WC)/Cu composite obtained through the synergistic strengthening of configuration design and interface engineering exhibits excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity (TC), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and bending strength of the 3D-CF(WC)/Cu composite in the in-plane direction are 457.4 ± 9.0 W m−1 K−1, 6.9 ± 0.4 × 10−6 K−1, and 281.9 ± 5.2 MPa, respectively; and in the through-plane direction are 400.8 ± 8.9 W m−1 K−1, 6.1 ± 0.4 × 10−6 K−1, and 263.1 ± 5.6 MPa, respectively. This research provides a novel approach to develop carbon reinforced metal matrix thermal management composites.

Functionalized porphyrin as a carrier bridge and a passivator for perovskite solar cells

Interfacial modification becomes one of the most emerging strategies in the state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, two porphyrin derivatives (p-MeOTPP, m-DMeOTPP) with different methoxy groups are employed as the modifiers between perovskite and the hole transporting layer (HTL). The interaction at both of perovskite/modifier and modifier/HTL interfaces, and the hole-transfer ability of the modifier molecule are comprehensively studied, which are jointly responsible for the significant improvement in the optoelectronic properties of the device. More importantly, discussion on a molecular level reveals the distinct roles of modifiers with highly similar structures. A highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.56% is achieved for m-DMeOTPP modified PSCs, which is attributed to a synergy of efficient passivation effect at perovskite/modifier interface, sufficient built-in potential at modifier/HTL interface and minimal reorganization energy of hole hopping process. p-MeOTPP has a stronger passivation ability, but causes unfavorable interfacial dipole at modifier/HTL interface and a large energy barrier when hole’s hopping, only resulting in a smaller enhancement. Additionally, both modifers improve the device stability by strongly suppress the immigration of iodine species and moisture penetration. This work presents a synergy mechanism for interfacial engineering to pursue PSCs with high efficiency and stability, and provides practical guidelines at a molecular level to design a modifier not only as an efficient passivator but also as a high-speed carrier bridge.

Glassy Carbon Fiber‐Like Multielectrode Arrays for Neurochemical Sensing and Electrophysiology Recording

AbstractReal‐time measurement of neurochemical and electrophysiological activities in the living brain is vital for advancing neuroscience and understanding brain disorders. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFEs) have been widely utilized for in vivo electrochemical detection due to their subcellular size, biocompatibility, and desirable electrochemical properties, and CFE arrays have demonstrated excellent multi‐site chronic sensing of dopamine (DA) and neural activity recording capabilities. However, manual fabrication of CFE arrays lacks reproducibility and batch production capacity. Alternatively, photolithography enables batch fabrication of glassy carbon (GC) multielectrode arrays (GC‐MEAs) with high resolution and reproducibility, but the insertion of planar flexible MEAs poses challenges. In this study, GC fiber‐like (GCF) MEAs are presented and fabricated using photolithography. The GCF MEAs feature fiber‐like GC electrodes with small cross‐sections, facilitating self‐insertion into brain tissue without additional aids. Batch fabrication of GCF MEAs allows for customizable designs with minimal manual intervention. Comparative analysis with CFEs demonstrates improved electrochemical properties of GCF. In vivo experiments in mouse brains confirm the GCF MEAs' ability to measure neurotransmitter concentrations and record neural activities. This novel fabrication approach is promising for multimodal electrical and chemical measurements with minimal footprint, offering significant advancements in neural interface technology for neuroscience research and clinical applications.

Unveiling the Structure and Dissociation of Interfacial Water on RuO2 for Efficient Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Understanding the structure and dynamic process of interfacial water molecules at the catalyst-electrolyte interface on acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics is highly desirable for the development of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Herein, we construct a series of p-block metallic elements (Ga, In, Sn) doped RuO2 catalysts with manipulated electronic structure and Ru-O covalency to investigate the effect of electrochemical interfacial engineering on the improvement of acidic OER activity. Associated with operando attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements and theoretical analysis, we uncover the free-H2O enriched local environment and dynamic evolution from 4-coordinated hydrogen-bonded water and 2-coordinated hydrogen-bonded water to free-H2O on the surface of Ga-RuO2, are responsible for the optimized connectivity of hydrogen bonding network in the electrical double layer by promoting solvent reorganization. In addition, the structurally ordered interfacial water molecules facilitate high-efficiency proton-coupled electron transfer across the interface, leading to reduced energy barrier of the follow-up dissociation process and enhanced acidic OER performance. This work highlights the key role of structure and dynamic process of interfacial water for acidic OER, and demonstrates the electrochemical interfacial engineering as an efficient strategy to design high-performance electrocatalysts.

Atomic-Scale Mechanism of Enhanced Electron-Phonon Coupling at the Interface of MgB2 Thin Films.

In conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superconductors, electron-phonon coupling is the fundamental mechanism of superconductivity. For instance, the superconductivity of magnesium diboride (MgB2) comes from the coupling between E2g modes (in-plane boron-boron bond vibrations) and self-doped charge carriers. In thin films and ceramics of BCS superconductors, interfaces with discontinuous chemical bonds may alter the local electron-phonon coupling. However, such effects remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the heterointerface of the MgB2 film on the SiC substrate at the atomic scale using electron microscopy and spectroscopy. We detect the presence of a thin MgO layer with a thickness of ∼1 nm between MgB2 and SiC. Atomic-level electron energy loss spectra (EELS) show MgB2-E2g mode splitting and softening near the MgB2/MgO interface, which enhances electron-phonon coupling at the interface. Our findings highlight the potential of interface engineering to enhance superconductivity via modulating local phonon states and/or electron states.

The impact of interface and heterostructure on the stability of perovskite-based solar cells

Perovskite solar cells have made significant progress in achieving high power conversion efficiency (>26%) in the past decade. However, achieving long-term stability comparable to established silicon solar cells is still a significant challenge, requiring further investigation into degradation mechanisms and continued exploration of interface engineering strategies. Here we review stability at the interfaces between perovskite and charge transport layers. These interfaces are particularly vulnerable to defects and degradation under external stresses such as heat, light, and bias, further compounded by their ionic nature and thermal expansion mismatch. To address these issues, strategies such as the use of additives, organic self-assembled monolayers, and low-dimensional perovskites have been developed to improve interface stability. These approaches enhance crystallinity, reduce defect-related recombination, and improve mechanical toughness.

Microscopic Insights into Metallization of Diamond with Transition Metals

AbstractMetallization of diamond with transition metals (TMs) has attracted much attention as they play an important role in the development of precision machining, high‐end thermal management, especially for electronic devices. However, it is found that the solid‐state reaction does not stop at the interface, potentially hampering interface engineering. To unleash the full potential of diamond devices, deeper reactions are investigated in monocrystalline intrinsic diamond metallized with Ti/Pt/Au ohmic contacts combing experiments and theoretical calculations. Apart from exhibiting TiC, graphite, TMs, and diamond nanocrystallites at the interface, a unique ion‐implanted‐like multilayered structure is observed at micrometer depth. TM atoms penetrate through diamond produce a buried amorphous carbon layer under the damaged diamond lattice. In addition, these theoretical calculations reveal that the structural amorphization is catalyzed by the incorporation of TM atoms through vacancy‐mediated diffusion, which induces the closure of the bandgap of the diamond. This facilitates carriers crossing the bandgap via impurity band conduction and promotes the formation of the ohmic contact. This study provides critical insight into the microscopic mechanisms of the metallization between diamonds and TMs and could facilitate the development of diamond‐based electronic devices with a tailored electronic property.

Interface and Defect Engineering in 3D Co3O4‐Ov/TiO2 to Boost Simultaneous Removal of BPA and Cr(VI) upon Photoelectrocatalytic/Peroxymonosulfate (PEC/PMS) System

AbstractThe combination of photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is an innovative strategy for environmental treatment. And fabricating a highly efficient photoelectrode is the most pivotal factor in PEC reactions. This study designs an advanced Co3O4‐Ov/TiO2 photoelectrode by a dual‐modification strategy encompassing interface engineering and defect engineering. The photoelectric characterization validates the synergy of oxygen vacancies and dual heterojunctions. Simulated electron density distribution and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) elucidate the charge transfer pathway between Co3O4‐Ov and TiO2. 1O2 and SO4 .− are confirmed to be primarily responsible for the BPA oxidation in PEC/PMS system by radical scavenger experiments and the EPR technique. And the attack sites of BPA are precisely identified based on the Fukui index. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations testify that Co3O4‐Ov can improve the adsorption capacity of PMS and reduce the energy barrier of the reaction process, while XPS analysis showed Co3+/Co2+ redox couple can accelerate PMS activation. Enhanced anode oxidation can effectively promote cathode reduction and consequently Co3O4‐Ov/TiO2‐PMS/PEC system presents a superior removal of both pollutants within only 15 min with fast kinetics (0.15 min−1 for BPA, 0.29 min−1 for Cr(VI)). This work provides unique insight into designing a highly efficient PMS/PEC system for simultaneous pollutant treatment.

Interface engineering enhances Lewis acidity and activates inert sites to jointly promote nitrate reduction to ammonia

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) has been considered a highly promising method for "waste to treasure". Herein, a heterogeneous catalyst FeP/Cu3P/CF enriched with Lewis acid sites was designed for efficient NRA. The faradaic efficiency and NH3 yield are up to 95.61 % and 0.2573 mmol h−1 cm−2, the NH3−N selectivity is 95.11 %, and the NO3–−N conversion is close to 100 %. Experimental and theoretical studies verify that the formation of the interface activates the originally inert Fe site and makes it become the second active center in addition to Cu. The charge transfer greatly raises the positive charge density of Feδ+ and Cuδ+ sites, leading to a significant increase in their Lewis acidity, which enables them to interact strongly with the Lewis base NO3− and improves the NRA performance; meanwhile, the ability of P site with increased negative charge density to capture H enhances, which is beneficial for the subsequent hydrogenation of nitrate reduction. This work provides an approach for designing efficient NRA catalysts through interface engineering strategy.

Interface engineering on Magnéli Ti4O7 electrodes by doping with waste MOF-recycled N-doped carbon polyhedrons toward efficient electrooxidation of tetracycline

Interface engineering is an effective strategy for improving the catalytic activity of electrocatalysts. Herein, an enhanced binder-free Ti4O7 electrode doped with waste MOF-recycled N-doped carbon polyhedrons (Dr-CN) was developed and denoted as Dr-CN@Ti4O7. The chemical-bond formation at the interface of Ti4O7 and Dr-CN led to a significant acceleration of charge transfer and higher •OH yield at 1.55–2.75 times rate in comparison with pristine Ti4O7. At 0.5 %Dr-CN@Ti4O7 electrode, the oxidation rate of tetracycline (TCH) was about 3 times that of pristine Ti4O7, especially when doped with 2 wt% Dr-CN, the kinetic rate can be comparable to that of BDD electrode. Furthermore, the 0.5 %Dr-CN@Ti4O7 anode exhibited desirable stability and durability in consecutive 20 cycle tests and was shown to effectively mineralize refractory organic matters in actual livestock and coking wastewater. Energy consumption for TCH removal by 0.5 %Dr-CN@Ti4O7 electrode was calculated as 3.02 kWh m−3, with a 73.5–77.6 % reduction compared to some previous electrodes. These results suggested that the interface chemical-bonded engineering strategy via doping MOF-derived carbon can effectively improve the Magnéli-phase Ti4O7 electrode with satisfying electrochemical reactivity and stability.

3D/2D lead-free halide perovskite CsSnBr3/MoX (X = Se2, SSe, S2) heterostructures for high-efficiency solar cell: Interface engineering strategies and transition of band alignments

The rapid progress in the fabrication of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on perovskite has significantly advanced the fields of optoelectronics and solar cells by integrating the exceptional properties of different materials. Overall, perovskite-based vdW heterostructures display unique functional characteristics due to their varied type-I, type-II, and type-III energy band configurations. However, it is a challenge to achieve flexible regulation of band edge alignment in heterostructures for different applications. Using first-principles density functional theory, we systematically study the electronic and optical properties of vdW heterostructures system consisting of three-dimensional lead-free all-inorganic halide perovskite materials CsSnBr3 and MoX (X = Se2, SSe, S2). The research results show that in the CsSnBr3/MoX vdW heterostructures, type I, II, and III transitions of band arrangements are achieved through interface engineering strategy to adapt to different applications. Meanwhile, by calculating the light absorption efficiency of the constructed 3D/2D vdW heterostructures, it was found that the interface effect enhances the optical absorption range and intensity of the perovskite-based heterostructures. The theoretically estimated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the heterostructure thin-film solar cell reaches 21.4 %. The results of our research indicate that the controllable band alignment of CsSnBr3/MoX heterostructures has significant potential for future applications in optoelectronics.

Heterointerface engineering in mesoporous g-C3N4@MnFe2O4 photocatalysts for superior hydrogen (H2) evolution

Surfaces and interfaces play a pivotal role in heterostructures-based photocatalysts, which regulate the transfer, separation, and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. In this study, p-type MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with complementary band structures were purposefully integrated with n-type porous g-C3N4 nanosheets (NSs) through precise interface engineering. The synergies in the g-C3N4@MnFe2O4 nanocomposites (NCs), leading to performance enhancement and functionalities, arise from their optimized mass fractions within the composite. The heterojunction interface formed in NCs possesses uniformly distributed mesopores (<4 nm), abundant active sites, and a high specific surface area (116 m2/g). Mesoporous heterojunctions improve photocatalytic activity by promoting the transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes to the photocatalyst surface. Notably, the optimized NCs, containing 20 wt% MnFe2O4, display the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 3.17 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (with methanol) and 5.77 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (with triethanolamine), which is many folds higher than bare MnFe2O4 and porous g-C3N4, using 1.0 wt.% of Pt as co-catalyst. The enhanced performance is corroborated by the efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers, facilitated by an induced internal electric field arising from the Fermi level differences between the semiconductors. This study provides new insights into the advantages of designing and constructing mesoporous Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.

NiO@GaN nanorods-based core-shell heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting via efficient charge separation

Remarkable properties of III-V semiconductors, particularly GaN nanostructured based photoelectrodes offers a potential attention in the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS) for clean and sustainable hydrogen production, due to its wide bandgap, magnificent optoelectrical properties. However, the presence of inevitable surface states in GaN nanorods (NRs) leads to low solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency with poor stability, thereby severely limiting their practical application in PEC-WS, which can be effectively alleviated by constructing a hybrid heterostructures. Herein, we present the development of interfacial engineering of a type-II core-shell heterostructure based on p-NiO nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on n-GaN NRs photoelectrodes for PEC-WS. We assessed the impact of the NiO NPs shell density on core GaN NRs, finding that the optimized NiO@GaN NRs photoelectrode achieved a photocurrent density (Jph) of 1.38 mA/cm² at 1.23 V versus RHE and an excellent applied bias photo-to-current conversion efficiency (ABPE) of ∼0.39 %, which was 3.8 (Jph) and 4.8 (ABPE)-fold times higher than the pristine GaN NRs photoanode under 1-Sun illumination. The type-II p-n heterojunction band alignment between core-shell NiO@GaN NRs photoelectrode effectively reduced the photogenerated carrier recombination rate through surface states passivation and boost the light absorption and harvesting capacity. This facilitates a significant charge separation and transfer at the photoanode/electrolyte interface leading to enhanced redox reactions, resulting in improved PEC-WS and STH performances. These findings offer a promising strategy to design and fabricate highly efficient III-V hybrid heterostructure photoelectrodes for futuristic PEC-WS-based green energy applications.

Demonstration of 1 V Reliable FeRAM Operation: Vc Engineering Using Quasi-Chirality of Hf1-xZrxO2 in a Nanolaminate Structure.

Hafnia thin films are known to demonstrate excellent performance with strong ferroelectricity and high scalability, making them promising candidates for CMOS-compatible materials. However, the reliability of ferroelectric devices must be further improved. This study developed a Hf1-xZrxO2 ferroelectric capacitor with a nanolaminate structure that operated at remarkably low voltages, demonstrating excellent retention (>10 years/85 °C) and endurance (>1010 cycles). The exceptional performance is attributed to the presence of thin tetragonal phase layers within the thick ferroelectric layers, which decreased the switching barrier in the nanolaminate films. Further, we verified phase crystallization via a detailed analysis of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. The improved switching propagation in the nanolaminate films was confirmed through switching speed measurements and theoretical models. Furthermore, we addressed pinching issues by precisely controlling the Hf/Zr ratio and O3 treatment. The initial imprint and retention characteristics were improved by interfacial engineering. Moreover, by reducing the thickness, we have achieved reliable operation at 1.0 V with a 5.5 nm-thick device while maintaining high retention and endurance. This study is a significant step toward the realization of the longstanding problem of ferroelectric random access memory operation voltage with respect to endurance and retention characteristics.

Transition Metal Dichalcogenides in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), also known as MX2, have attracted considerable attention due to their structure analogous to graphene and unique properties. With superior electronic characteristics, tunable bandgaps, and an ultra-thin two-dimensional structure, they are positioned as significant contenders in advancing electrocatalytic technologies. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress of two-dimensional TMDs in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting. Based on their fundamental properties and the principles of electrocatalysis, strategies to enhance their electrocatalytic performance through layer control, doping, and interface engineering are discussed in detail. Specifically, this review delves into the basic structure, properties, reaction mechanisms, and measures to improve the catalytic performance of TMDs in electrocatalytic water splitting, including the creation of more active sites, doping, phase engineering, and the construction of heterojunctions. Research in these areas can provide a deeper understanding and guidance for the application of TMDs in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting, thereby promoting the development of related technologies and contributing to the solution of energy and environmental problems. TMDs hold great potential in electrocatalytic water splitting, and future research needs to further explore their catalytic mechanisms, develop new TMD materials, and optimize the performance of catalysts to achieve more efficient and sustainable energy conversion. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the stability and durability of TMD catalysts during long-term reactions and to develop strategies to improve their longevity. Interdisciplinary cooperation will also bring new opportunities for TMD research, integrating the advantages of different fields to achieve the transition from basic research to practical application.

Construction of carbon hybridized Co3S4/NiS microspheres on nickel foam for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in all-pH water and seawater

Interface engineering can expose sufficient active sites and facilitate the hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics. Herein, we developed a strategy with the designed deep eutectic solvents dissolved CoO as precursors to prepare Co3S4 and NiS nanodots and carbon hybridized microspheres on the surface of nickel foam (Co3S4/NiS/C/NF) via a one-step sulfidation-pyrolysis method. The composite catalysts have abundant tightly coupled heterogeneous interfaces between Co3S4 and NiS nanodots, the hybridized carbon layers and NF, which not only improve the electron transfer efficiency but also increase the number of active sites. The optimized Co3S4/NiS/C/NF electrodes exhibit excellent electrocatalytic HER activity in all-pH water and natural seawater, and were even superior to the Pt/C electrode at high current densities. In 0.5 M H2SO4, 1.0 M KOH, 1.0 M PBS, and natural seawater electrolytes, current densities as high as 10 mA cm−2 were obtained at remarkably low overpotentials of only 49, 72, 93, and 261 mV respectively. This work provides new insights for the development of excellent electrocatalysts in all-pH water and natural seawater applications.