Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application of 2D Mo(W) Dichalcogenides Nanosheets

1. Preparation Of Mo(W)-Based 2D Nanosheets

The controlled preparation of the Mo(W) dichalcogenides 2D layer materials is of critical importance in order to carry out their catalytic applications. The structural and electronic properties of these 2D nanosheets, at large extent, dominates the activity, selectivity and durability of catalytic reactions. Due to the weak interaction between layers, Mo(W) dichlcogenides down to single or several layers can be prepared more easily for versatile applications. The preparing routes to 2D layer Mo(W) dichlcogenides can be roughly classified as top-down (e.g., adhesive tape exfoliation, ultrasonic assisted exfoliation, solvent or surfactant or polymer assisted exfoliation, and chemical exfoliation via lithium intercalation) and bottom up (e.g., direct wet chemical synthesis and chemical vapor deposition) approaches (Frindt 1966, Nicolosi et al. 2013, Zeng et al. 2012, Xiao et al. 2012 and Mak et al. 2012). Both approaches have attracts interests from various disciplines, such as electronics, photonics, materials, energy, environment and catalysis.