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The technology of semiconductor photocatalystshas become an important research area. 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is recognized as a promising catalyst for photoelectrocatalytic and photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, owing to its 2D nature of low optical cross‐section, the effective light absorption needs to be further boosted. Herein, we dramatically amplify the light‐matter interaction by hybridizing these photocatalysts with plasmonic materials that present strong electromagnetic field confinement and with nanowires that offer efficient light management. Such a system is designed in the heterostructure of silicon nanowires (SiNW)/ gold nanoparticles (AuNP)/ MoS2 nanofilms (SiNW/AuNP/MoS2), which demonstrates excellent PC HER. The absorption frequency of 2D‐MoS2, the resonance frequency of the 0D‐AuNP, and the antireflection frequency of 1D‐SiNW match with the visible range, enabling this heterostructure to effectively utilize solar energy. Additionally, an optimal MoS2 nanofilm that is a mixture of 1 T and 2 H phases was prepared with high reproducibility using facile pyrolysis. Moreover, the SiNW substrate validates high antireflection properties, achieving 95% visible light absorption. In addition, SiNW forms a p–n junction with the MoS2 to facilitate charge separation. The synergetic hybrid of 1D‐SiNW/0D‐AuNP/2D‐MoS2 nanofilms exhibits the highest hydrogen generation rate of 246 mmol g−1 h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of single-phase ruthenium aluminide (RuAl) intermetallic compound were deposited by magnetron co-sputtering. An ordered B2 body-centered cubic structure of high crystallinity was formed after rapid thermal annealing at 800 °C for 1 min. Data fittings using the Fuchs–Sondheimer and Mayadas–Shatzkes models suggested the very short mean free path of electrons of below 5 nm and the high specularity parameter of 0.9. The short mean free path and the much reduced diffuse scattering of electrons at the interface effectively suppressed the resistivity scaling of the B2 RuAl intermetallic compound as compared to ruthenium metal. At an ultra-small film thickness of below 5 nm, the reflection of electrons by grain boundaries or domain walls might alternatively dominate the increase in resistivity. The RuAl intermetallic compound with an ordered B2 structure and a high cohesive energy (a large negative mixing enthalpy) also demonstrated a superior thermal stability at an extreme temperature up to 900 °C. It could be a promising candidate for potential use as the next-generation interconnect metallization without the need of a diffusion barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructure engineering stands out as a potent strategy for advancing photocatalytic H2 production. In the present study, various ratios of 1T/2H‐MoSe2 are synthesized by modulating the quantity of the reducing agent. Notably, the sample characterized by the highest 1T phase content exhibits the lowest charge transfer resistance and superior absorption of visible light. Subsequently, MoSe2 is incorporated with CdZnS to form the heterostructures. Remarkably, the highest H2 production rate at 6.4 mmol g−1 h−1 of the sample, surpassing that of CdZnS by a factor of six, is demonstrated. The improved H2 production performance is attributed to the increased absorption of visible light and the suppression of electron–hole recombination, thereby enhancing overall H2 production. The heterostructures exhibit unparalleled photocatalytic efficiency, owing to the fast electron mobility inherent in the 1T‐MoSe2, resulting in a substantial improvement in carrier separation. These findings highlight the significance of tuning the 1T/2H ratio of MoSe2 for augmenting photocatalytic H2 production, showing the potential of heterostructure engineering for catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]