The development of sodium-ion batteries for large-scale applications requires the synthesis of electrode materials with high capacity, high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), high rate performance, long cycle life, and low cost. A rational design of freestanding anode materials is reported for sodium-ion batteries, consisting of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets aligned vertically on carbon paper derived from paper towel. The hierarchical structure enables sufficient electrode/electrolyte interaction and fast electron transportation. Meanwhile, the unique architecture can minimize the excessive interface between carbon and electrolyte, enabling high ICE. The as-prepared MoS2@carbon paper composites as freestanding electrodes for sodium-ion batteries can liberate the traditional electrode manufacturing procedure, thereby reducing the cost of sodium-ion batteries. The freestanding MoS2@carbon paper electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity, high ICE, good cycling performance, and excellent rate capability. By exploiting in situ Raman spectroscopy, the reversibility of the phase transition from 2H-MoS2 to 1T-MoS2 is observed during the sodium-ion intercalation/deintercalation process. This work is expected to inspire the development of advanced electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

MoS2 Nanosheets Vertically Aligned on Carbon Paper: A Freestanding Electrode for Highly Reversible Sodium Ion Batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have demonstrated great potential in the field of gas sensing due to their layered structures. Especially for 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), inherent high surface areas and their unique semiconducting properties with tunable band gaps make them compelling for sensing applications. In combination with the general benefits of 2D nanomaterials, the incorporation of metal oxides into 2D TMDs is a recent approach for improving the gas sensing performance of these materials by the synergistic effects of the hybridization. This Review aims to comprehend the sensing mechanisms and the synergistic effects of various hybridizations of 2D TMDs and metal oxides. The Review begins with the gas sensing mechanisms and synthesis methods of 2D TMDs. Achievements in recent research on 2D TMDs and their metal oxide hybrids for sensor applications are then comprehensively compiled. To clearly understand the collective benefits of TMDs and metal oxide hybrids, the hybridization effects are discussed in three aspects: geometrical, electronic, and chemical effects.

Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and Metal Oxide Hybrids for Gas Sensing.

The first surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor that functions via changes in conductivity of a thin surface film is reported. A lead phthalocyanine (PbPc) thin film is deposited on the acoustic propagation path of a LiNbO 3 SAW delay line, which serves as the feedback element of an oscillator circuit. Reaction with strongly oxidizing gases, in particular NO 2 , increases the conductivity of the PbPc film. Acousto-electric coupling of the traveling electric potential wave associated with the SAW to charge carriers in the PbPc film slows the acoustic wave velocity, altering the oscillation frequency of the circuit. This sensor is about 1000 times more sensitive, in terms of the number of NO 2 molecules that can be detected (10 16 molecules/cm 3 of PbPc film), than an identical SAW sensor functioning via mass loading would be. Sensitivity to a few ppm of NO 2 in N 2 has been demonstrated.

Surface acoustic wave gas sensor based on film conductivity changes

Two-dimensional crystals have emerged as a class of materials that may impact future electronic technologies. Experimentally identifying and characterizing new functional two-dimensional materials is challenging, but also potentially rewarding. Here, we fabricate field-effect transistors based on few-layer black phosphorus crystals with thickness down to a few nanometres. Reliable transistor performance is achieved at room temperature in samples thinner than 7.5 nm, with drain current modulation on the order of 10(5) and well-developed current saturation in the I-V characteristics. The charge-carrier mobility is found to be thickness-dependent, with the highest values up to ∼ 1,000 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) obtained for a thickness of ∼ 10 nm. Our results demonstrate the potential of black phosphorus thin crystals as a new two-dimensional material for applications in nanoelectronic devices.

http://absimage.aps.org/image/MAR14/MWS_MAR14-2013-005031.pdf

Black Phosphorus Field-effect Transistors

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2053-1583/aad94f/pdf

Atomic layer deposition of stable 2D materials

On the performance of vertical MoS2 nanoflakes as a gas sensor

Semiconductor gas sensors have been developed so far on empirical bases, but now recent innovative materials for advancing gas sensor technology have been made available for further developments. T...

Maryam Barzegar

Papers

On the performance of vertical MoS2 nanoflakes as a gas sensor

Two-dimensional materials for gas sensors: from first discovery to future possibilities