2D Hybrid Superlattice-Based On-Chip Electrocatalytic Microdevice for Revealing Enhanced Catalytic Activity.

A molecule-confined two-dimensional (2D) hybrid superlattice is emerging for uncovering the chemical properties as well as distinctive physical phenomenon arising from the interface electronic states. An efficient and convenient synthetic method represents an important precondition to implementing the superlattice in terminal applications and functional devices. Herein, we develop an approach of spontaneous molecular intercalation to obtain a TaS-NH hybrid superlattice through simple solution immersion processing at room temperature. A cross-sectional high-angle annular dark field image verifies that the NH molecules intercalate into the TaS lattice, and the interlayer spacing expands approximately 1.5 times. Combining electrical transport testing and theoretical calculations, electron transfer from NH to the S-Ta-S lattice induces enhanced superconductivity and the suppression of the order of charge density waves. Moreover, electrical and Kelvin probe force microscope measurements reveal that intercalary NH molecules ensure that the superlattice has higher conductivity and a lower surface work function at room temperature. A 2D hybrid superlattice-based on-chip electrocatalytic microdevice was fabricated through molecular intercalation to directly evaluate the catalytic performance. Benefiting from electronic state regulation, the hybrid superlattice is more active. The presented intercalation method would aid in exploring efficient catalysts and discovering fundamental 2D physics.