Two-dimensional nanostructed materials for catalytic activities: a combined experimental and theoretical study*

Two-dimensional (2D) MoS₂ nanostructures have attracted much attention in recent years because of their excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report unique 2D hybrid nanostructures of MoS₂ and melamine synthesized via a one-step solvothermal process.[1] The hybrid complexes with 7% intercalated melamine exhibited excellent HER Performance, with a current of 10 mA cm⁻² at 0.136 V (vs. RHE) and a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec⁻¹. Our first-principles calculations showed that the intercalation of hydrogen-bonded melamine clusters could stabilize the 1T′ phase MoS₂ via substantial charge transfer. In addition, I will discuss our results on the selective reduction of CO₂ to formic acid using indium-zinc bimetallic nanocrystals.[2]

[1] I.H. Kwak, I.S. Kwon, T.T. Debela, J. Seo, J.-P. Ahn, S.J. Yoo, J.-G. Kim, J. Park, H.S. Kang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 7 (2019) 22571-22578.
[2] I.S. Kwon, T.T. Debela, I.H. Kwak, H.W. Seo, K. Park, D. Kim, S.J. Yoo, J.-G. Kim, J. Park, H.S. Kang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 7 (2019) 22879-22883.