Transition metal phosphide/ molybdenum disulfide heterostructures towards advanced electrochemical energy storage: recent progress and challenges

Abstract

Transition metal phosphide @ molybdenum disulfide (TMP@MoS₂) heterostructures, consisting of TMP as the core main catalytic body and MoS₂ as the outer shell, can solve the three major problems in the field of renewable energy storage and catalysis, such as lack of resources, cost factors, and low cycling stability. The heterostructures synergistically combine the excellent conductivity and electrochemical performance of transition metal phosphides with the structural robustness and catalytic activity of molybdenum disulfide, which holds great promise for clean energy. This review addresses the advantages of TMP@MoS₂ materials and their synthesis methods—e.g., hydrothermal routes and chemical vapor deposition regarding scalability and cost. Their electrochemical energy storage and catalytic functions e.g., hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) are also extensively explored. Their potential within battery and supercapacitor technologies is also assessed against leading performance metrics. Challenges toward industry-scale scalability, longevity, and environmental sustainability are also addressed, as are optimization and large-scale deployment strategies.