Design, Synthesis and Applications of One-Dimensional Chalcogenide Hetero-Nanostructures

This thesis focuses on the design and synthesis of novel one-dimensional colloidal chalcogenide hetero-nanostructures for enhancing solar energy conversion applications. Semiconducting nanomaterials are particular attractive for energy conversion due to the quantum confinement effects dictating their unique optical and electronic properties. Steering the photo-induced charge-flow based on unique bandgap alignment in semiconductor heterojunctions is critical for photo-electric/chemical conversion.

The author presents the controllable preparation strategies to synthesize 1D chalcogenide hetero-nanostructures with various fine structures, further been used as excellent template materials for preparing other novel and complex hybrid architectures through a series of chemical transformations. The heterogeneous growth mechanisms of novel hetero-nanostructures is studied for developing a facile and general method to prepare more novel heterostructures. The band gap structure simulations, detailed charge carrier behaviour and unique solar energy conversion properties of the prepared hybrid nanostructures are deeply investigated. This work would open a new door to rationally designing hybrid systems for photo-induced applications.

Dr. Taotao Zhuang from University of Science and Technology of China

Area of work – 
Material Chemistry


Honors –
2012 The first prize of first national postgraduate academic forum report in Jilin University
2014 Xing-Ye Responsibility Scholarship in University of Science and Technology of China
2015 Doctoral Dissertation Excellent Support Fund in University of Science and Technology of China 
2016 CAS Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award for the 2016 Year


Publication list –
T. T. Zhuang, S. H. Yu*, et al. Cu1.94S nanocrystal seed mediated solution-phase growth of unique Cu2S-PbS heteronanostructures, Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 9762-9764.
T. T. Zhuang, S. H. Yu*, et al. Controlled synthesis of kinked ultrathin ZnS nanorods/nanowires triggered by chloride ions: A Case Study, Small 2014, 10, 1394-1402.
P. Yu‡, T. T. Zhuang‡,S. H. Yu*, et al. Construction of kinked heteronanorods modified by metal nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic performance, Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 5676-5678.
T. T. Zhuang, S. H. Yu*, et al. A Unique Ternary Semiconductor-(Semiconductor/Metal) Nano-Architecture for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 11495-11500.
T. T. Zhuang, S. H. Yu*, et al. Integration of Semiconducting Sulfides for Full-Spectrum Solar Energy Absorption and Efficient Charge Separation, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 6396-6400.
T. T. Zhuang, S. H. Yu*, et al. One-Dimensional Colloidal Hetero-Nanomaterials with Programmed Semiconductor Morphology and Metal Location for Enhancing Solar Energy Conversion, Small 2017, DOI:10.1002/smll.201602629. 
M. R. Gao, Z. Y. Lin, T. T. Zhuang, J. Jiang, Y. F. Xu, S. H. Yu*, Mixed-solution synthesis of sea urchin-like NiSe nanofiber assemblies as economical Pt-free catalysts for electrochemicalH2 production, J. Mater. Chem. 2012, 22, 13662-13668.
Y. X. Wang,# M. Wei,# F. J. Fan#, T. T. Zhuang, L. Wu, S. H. Yu*, C. F. Zhu*, Phase Selective Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals through Cation Exchange for Photovoltaic Devices, Chem. Mater. 2014, 26, 5492-5498.
X. J. Liu, C. H. Cui, H. H. Li, Y. Lei, T. T. Zhuang, M. Sun, M. N. Arshad, H. A. Albar, T. R. Sobahi, S. H. Yu*, Hollow ternary PtPdCu nanoparticles: a superior and durable cathodic electrocatalyst, Chem. Sci. 2015, 6, 3038-3043.
L Wu‡, S. Y. Chen‡, F.J. Fan, T. T. Zhuang, C. M. Dai, S. H. Yu*, Polytypic Nanocrystals of Cu-Based Ternary Chalcogenides: Colloidal Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Properties, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 5576-5584.