Magnetic Properties and Photocatalytic Applications of 2D Sheets of Nonlayered Manganese Telluride by Liquid Exfoliation

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)telluride 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.