Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Combining Solid-state and Solution-based Techniques: Synthesis and Reactivity of Chalcogenidoplumbates(II or IV)
Published on: December 29, 2016
Influence of composition-phase interplay on the electrochemical activity of ternary transition metal dichalcogenides
Manoj Palabathuni1, Niraj Nitish Patil1, Suvodeep Sen1
1Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland. shalini.singh@ul.ie.
Abstract:
Alloying is a powerful strategy to tailor the electronic structures of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. Controlling the functionalities is essential to explore the full potential of these ternary nanosheets with tunable electronic properties. Here, Nb was successfully alloyed with W to form ternary NbxW1-xS2 nanosheets with different stoichiometric ratios via colloidal hot-injection synthesis. Incorporation of Nb alters the band structure of parent WS2, allowing for controlled tuning of electronic properties. High resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals an irregular atomic arrangement at higher Nb concentrations, with a notable transition from the pure 2H phase to a mixed 2H-1T' phase at a controlled concentration of Nb content in the composition. Nb induces a shift of the Fermi level, causing a transition from semiconducting to metallic nature in ternary nanosheets, which facilitates enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of Nb0.5W0.5S2 compared to pristine WS2.
More Related Videos
08:12Ohmic Contact Fabrication Using a Focused-ion Beam Technique and Electrical Characterization for Layer Semiconductor Nanostructures
Published on: December 5, 2015
04:09Demonstrating the Simplicity and In Situ Temperature Monitoring of the Mechanochemical Synthesis of Metal Chalcogenides Suitable for Thermoelectrics
Published on: August 30, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Electrochemical Systems
Phase Diagrams of Ternary Systems
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Metal-Semiconductor Junctions
Schottky Barriers
Schottky barriers arise when a metal with a work function (Φm) contacts a semiconductor with a different work function (Φs). Initially, electrons transfer until the Fermi levels of the metal and semiconductor align at equilibrium. For instance, if Φm > Φs, the semiconductor Fermi level is higher than the metal's before contact. The semiconductor's...
Valence Bond Theory