Nanostructured transition metal Dichalcogenides: Recent advances and prospects in energy applications

The increasing global energy demand, driven by population growth and rapid economic development, has led to a significant rise in fossil fuel consumption, resulting in critical environmental challenges. This necessitates a shift toward sustainable and renewable energy solutions. Advanced materials with tuned properties are crucial to addressing the limitations of existing energy harvesting and storage technologies. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained considerable attention due to their exceptional physical, chemical, and electronic properties. Among the emerging 2D materials, Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted significant research interest for designing high-performance energy storage devices due to their large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and characteristic layered structure. Herein, we provide an overview of 2D materials, wherein their unique characteristics are highlighted. Particular emphasis is placed on TMDs, an important category of 2D materials, discussing their structure, properties, and common synthesis techniques. Recent advancements in energy-related applications of TMD-based materials, including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, are reviewed, showcasing their potential to address global energy challenges. This review paper concludes with insights into emerging trends and future research directions.