Single-Atom Engineering and Phase-Transition Optimization in MoS₂ for Enhanced Schottky Junction Piezocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a promising piezocatalyst for environmental remediation.
• Metastability of the 1T phase and doping inconsistencies limit MoS₂ performance and stability.
• Nonuniform Schottky barriers and inefficient charge transfer hinder catalytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance piezocatalyst for enhanced environmental remediation.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional MoS₂ piezocatalysts.
• To investigate the role of hybrid phases and single-atom doping in piezocatalysis.

Main Methods:

• Designed a hybrid-phase MoS₂ Schottky junction (1T and 2H phases).
• Incorporated cobalt single atoms (Co-T/H MoS₂) to enhance piezoelectric properties and promote the 1T phase.
• Analyzed the impact of Co doping on Schottky barrier height and charge transfer.

Main Results:

• Co-T/H MoS₂ exhibited significantly enhanced piezoelectric properties and charge separation.
• The density of Schottky junctions was increased, reducing electron backflow.
• Achieved a ciprofloxacin degradation rate of 1.08 min^-1, 15.9 times higher than bare MoS₂.
• Enhanced oxygen activation and superoxide radical generation were observed.

Conclusions:

• The Co-T/H MoS₂ hybrid-phase Schottky junction is a highly effective piezocatalyst.
• Single-atom doping and hybrid-phase engineering are crucial for improving piezocatalyst performance.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for efficient environmental remediation of pollutants.