Open Access

2D Chalcogenide Nanomaterial for Energy Storage Devices: Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Approach

Holy Oghenewona Ovwiurhobo¹, Marius O. Eji², Adil Alshoaibi³, Ndanduleni Lethole⁴, Chawki Awada³, Shumaila Islam³, Nisrin Alnaim³, Fabian I. Ezema^1,4,*

1 Nano Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
2 Department of Physics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
3 Department of Physics, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
4 Department of Physics, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Medunsa, South Africa

* Corresponding Author: Fabian I. Ezema. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Sulfur-based Two-dimensional Materials)

Chalcogenide Letters 2026, 23(8), 2 https://doi.org/10.32604/cl.2026.086712

Received 04 June 2026; Accepted 28 August 2026; Issue published 18 September 2026

Abstract

Several studies have reported a growing interest in nanomaterials beyond conventional graphite, driven by the rapid global demand for sustainable, high-performance energy storage. Among these materials, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), molybdenum- and tin-based systems such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tin (IV) disulfide (SnS₂) in particular, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices (EESDs). This is owing to their unique X-M-X sandwich architectures, tunable electronic properties, and versatile intercalation chemistry. Despite several studies on 2D TMCs and their applications in EESDs, a gap still exists, as there is no comprehensive review that integrates advanced synthesis routes and multi-scale characterization with phase engineering (particularly the 2H-to-1T transition) and defect engineering strategies, not just for MoS₂ and SnS₂ but also for other 2D TMCs (e.g., WS₂ and ReS₂), while taking advantage of Density Functional Theory (DFT) as a predictive tool for electronic structure, ion adsorption energies, and diffusion barriers. Additionally, the review examines the sustainable utilization of local mineral precursors, such as Nigerian lithium-bearing ores, for the production of 2D TMCs. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive framework for the rational design and optimization of 2D chalcogenide-based nanomaterials for high-capacity lithium-, sodium-, and potassium-ion storage devices.

---

Graphic Abstract

---

Keywords

---