Current methods to produce transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) such as high-temperature gas phase chemical deposition and solvothermal synthesis suffer from poor reproducibility in the former and lack tunability in the latter. The production of TMCs with organized structure, composition and morphology via ‘green’ and facile synthetic routes is highly desirable.
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are 2D materials that possess unique properties with uniform and highly ordered structural properties that make them ideal candidates for the supported synthesis of TMCs.
A recent report from a team of researchers uses LDHs as ‘seeds’ to synthesize TMCs. The resulting TMCs exhibit the architecture and stability of the LDH support material. Moreover, the CoNi-alloy@CoNi-sulfide produced is applicable for the hydrazine electrooxidation reaction showing good durability and high catalytic activity. Such TMCs may have applications in fuel cells and as electrocatalysts.
