Abstract:
Metal tellurides are highly sought after for energy and spintronic applications much of which is owed to its catalytic and magnetic properties. Confining it into two-dimensions and improving the surface area enriches its catalytic activity and magnetic properties. Herein, we demonstrate the isolation of ultrathin two-dimensional sheets of Manganese(II)Telluride having an average thickness of ~2 nm and flake size of ~100 nm by means of liquid phase exfoliation presumably for the first time. Vanishing of exchange interactions in two-dimensions results in paramagnetic ordering in Manganese(II)Tellurides sheets while its pristine form prefers antiferromagnetic order. The exfoliated two-dimensional sheets were used to sensitize titania nanotubes to broaden the absorption spectrum and utilize visible light for photoelectrochemical water splitting.