Polarization-Tunable Photoelectrochemistry at Individual Anisotropic ReS₂ and Its Homostructure Interfaces

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Light polarization is an underexplored factor in controlling photoelectrochemical processes.
• Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors offer unique properties for light-matter interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate polarization-tunable photoelectrochemistry at anisotropic 2D ReS2 interfaces.
• To provide a new strategy for manipulating light-driven charge dynamics using light polarization.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) was used for nanoscale probing.
• Systematic investigation of incident wavelength, layer thickness, and van der Waals stacking effects.
• Controlled photoexcitation under varying polarization conditions.

Main Results:

• Polarization sensitivity was observed to be dependent on wavelength, thickness, and stacking.
• Dichroic ratio increased near the band edge and decreased with thickness.
• ReS2 birefringence led to polarization phase shifts influenced by wavelength and layer number.
• Programmable junction behavior was achieved by stacking ReS2 layers with controlled twist angles.

Conclusions:

• Light polarization serves as a precise control knob for nanoscale photoelectrochemistry.
• This work offers a new paradigm for designing polarization-selective optoelectronic and photocatalytic devices.