Preparation of electroactive low dimensional materials for advanced electrocatalysis and sensors applications

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The field of electroactive flat and vertical two-dimensional 2D materials form such as carbon nanowalls (CNWs) graphene-like structure and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) has grown exponentially with wide-ranging potential applications in energy harvesting and sensing applications. Their unique properties include pristine interfaces free of dangling bonds leading to low density of interface trap states and reduced scattering, ultra-thin and uniform thickness leading to fluctuation-immune environment and a wide range of choices from metals, insulators and semiconductors with controllable band gaps. Despite the tremendous efforts and considerable progress in the synthesis and fundamental property investigation of flat and vertical 2D materials form, their technological potential has not yet been fully realized. The structural design and surface of an electrode based on 2D materials are key factors affecting its reaction kinetics, mass transportation and consequently its performance. The control over lattice orientation, number of layers and controlled defects during the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or Plasma-Enhanced CVD (PECVD) growth of 2D materials remains a challenge. Through the proposed Discovery Grant (DG) research program, we aim to discover the optimal conditions for nucleation and edge reconstruction during the growth of these materials in flat or vertical manner, as well as to predict their structure and stability when grown on different substrates (metallic and isolated). Such guidance is imperative for experimentalists to improve their growth processes and to leverage this knowledge to engineer electroactive electrodes. These electrodes will be exploited as electrocatalysts for water splitting (hydrogen evolution reaction) and for sensing applications. Our exploration of topological surface states for electrocatalytic water splitting reactions will allow us to probe novel physical phenomena to revive the catalytic activity of TMDCs and CNWs to replace costly platinum-based electrocatalysts in commercial applications. The proposed DG program is built on a motto to 'build a low carbon, climate-resilient future' by introducing noble metal-free novel catalyst materials for 'green hydrogen' production and sensors conception. The main contributions of this program can be summarized as follows: (i) knowledge creation in the bourgeoning area of TMDCs 2D material, CNWs graphene-like structures growth with an emphasis on their integration in applications (ii) training of highly skilled HQPs who are currently and continue to be in great demand in academic research labs and industrial sectors, (iii) creation of seed technology and expertise for the Canadian industry translating to a global competitive edge and (iv) consolidating Canada's position as a leader in sustainable nanotechnology research with multimillion-dollar investments in nanotechnology through its research funding agencies, research institutes and Industry Canada.