Premium
Pnictogen (As, Sb, Bi) Nanosheets for Electrochemical Applications Are Produced by Shear Exfoliation Using Kitchen Blenders
Author(s) -
Gusmão Rui,
Sofer Zdeněk,
Bouša Daniel,
Pumera Martin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201706389
Subject(s) - nanosheet , electrochemistry , materials science , oxygen evolution , exfoliation joint , ascorbic acid , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , aqueous solution , elemental analysis , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , graphene , food science , engineering
Layered materials are of high importance because of their anisotropy and as a source of 2D materials. Whilst there is a plethora of multi‐elemental 2D materials, the number mono‐elemental 2D materials is rather limited. Herein, we demonstrate that aqueous shear exfoliation can be used to obtain As, Sb, and Bi exfoliated nanosheets. Morphological and chemical characterization of the exfoliated materials shows a decrease in thickness, sheet‐to‐nanosheet scale, and partial oxidation owing to a higher surface area. The electrochemical performance is tested in terms of inherent electrochemistry, electron transfer, and sensing applications as demonstrated with ascorbic acid. Potential energy‐related applications are evaluated in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), with shear‐exfoliated Sb having the best electrochemical performance overall. These findings will have a profound impact on the preparation and application of 2D mono‐elemental materials.