The process of photosynthesis has been intensely studied since its discovery in the late 1720’s.¹ Understanding how plants oxidize water to O₂ is of relevant importance due to its potential use in fuel cell technology. Water splitting cells generate H⁺ and electrons for the fuel cell to use.

The development of radiation-based medical technologies, nuclear energy, and the ambitions of space exploration have greatly increased the incidence of human radiation exposure over the past decades. Given their exceptional radiation attenuating properties, lead-based materials have predominantly been used as the preferred shielding material for personnel and equipment.

Near infrared (NIR) luminescent materials have emerged as a growing field of interest, particularly for biomedical imaging and optics applications¹ including but not limited to transition metal based NIR luminescent pigments.

A significant amount of research has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of 2D and quasi-1D layered materials since graphene’s remarkable discovery in 2004. Specifically, researchers have gravitated towards low-dimensional materials as the most promising way to construct cheaper and faster devices that can improve state-of-the-art silicon-based technology within the electronics industry.