# Theoretical prediction and shape-controlled synthesis of two-dimensional semiconductive Ni3TeO6

## TL;DR

Scientists predicted and created a new 2D material, Ni3TeO6, which shows improved optical and catalytic properties for potential use in semiconductors.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel 2D Ni3TeO6 material with a unique synthesis method and enhanced photocatalytic performance.

## Key findings

- 2D Ni3TeO6 nanosheets were successfully synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method.
- The 2D material exhibits a reduced bandgap and visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
- The material's polar space group and structural design offer potential for future semiconductor applications.

## Abstract

Current progress in two-dimensional (2D) materials explorations leads to constant specie enrichments of possible advanced materials down to two dimensions. The metal chalcogenide-based 2D materials are promising grounds where many adjacent territories are waiting to be explored. Here, a stable monolayer Ni3TeO6 (NTO) structure was computationally predicted and its stacked 2D nanosheets experimentally synthesized. Theoretical design undergoes featuring coordination of metalloid chalcogen, slicing the bulk structure, geometrical optimizations and stability study. The predicted layered NTO structure is realized in nanometer-thick nanosheets via a one-pot shape-controlled hydrothermal synthesis. Compared to the bulk, the 2D NTO own a lowered bandgap energy, more sensitive wavelength selectivity and an emerging photocatalytic hydrogen evolution ability under visible light. Beside a new 2D NTO with the optoelectrical and photocatalytic merits, its existing polar space group, structural specification, and design route are hoped to benefit 2D semiconductor innovations both in species enrichment and future applications.