Heterostructured transition metal chalcogenides with strategic heterointerfaces for electrochemical energy conversion/Storage

Sustainable electrochemical energy conversion/storage technologies such as photovoltaic solar cells, energy-saving hydrogen (H2) production via an electrocatalytic water splitting, secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors (SCs), and hybrid systems have been proven as promising strategies to address the presently increased critical energy security. To provide high energy/power levels to meet the requirements of various application scenarios, the discovery of new active materials is one of the major routes in recent years. In this regard, a heterointerface engineering of nanomaterials is highly desirable compared with the conventional approaches because of regulated electronic structures, tunable kinetics, and strengthened structural stability. Heterostructured transition metal chalcogenides (“TMCs” such as Ni, Co, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, Mn, Ti, etc.) combine the advantageous chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of different individual components while eliminating their corresponding drawbacks. The structural diversity of TMCs allows smart surface and interfacial functionalities for boosting ion intercalation in electronic energy conversion/storage systems. The well-defined heterojunctions/heterointerfaces in lateral and vertical nanoscale significantly promote the achievement of many astounding applications and display immense potential that is yet to be tapped. Herein, this review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances of multi-component nanostructured TMCs as efficient electrodes/electrocatalysts in various electrochemical energy conversion/storage systems with a robust emphasis on enhanced functionality based on intrinsic and extrinsic modifications. Focusing on heterojunction engineering, unique attention is given to the state-of-art synthetic strategies, impressive interfacial synergistic effects, electronic restructuring, elusory active sites, and structural defect establishment of various micro-/nano-compounds. The review also affords insights into multi-component heterostructures from the scientific viewpoint of the close correlation and interaction between structure, composition, and corresponding electrochemical performance using progressive studies. Combined with current achievements in the construction and employment of heterointerface engineering, the underlying potential challenges, perspectives, and opportunities are amply explored and proposed.