Constructing a nanostructure that combines abundant active edge sites with a well-designed heterostructure is an effective strategy for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen generation. However, controllable approaches for creating heterostructures based on vertically standing transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets remain insufficient despite their potential for efficient hydrogen production. In this paper, we present efficient photocatalysts featuring heterojunctions composed of vertically grown TMD (MoS₂ and WS₂) nanosheets. These structures (WS₂, MoS₂, and MoS₂/WS₂ heterostructure) were fabricated using a controllable metal–organic chemical vapor deposition method, which expanded the surface area and facilitated effective photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The vertical MoS₂/WS₂ heterostructures demonstrated significantly enhanced hydrogen generation, driven by the synergistic effects of improved light absorption, a large specific surface area, and appropriately arranged staggered heterojunctions. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity was considerably influenced by the size and density of the vertical nanosheets. Consequently, the nanosheet size-tailored MoS₂/WS₂ heterostructure achieved a photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate (454.2 μmol h⁻¹ cm⁻²), which is 2.02 times and 2.19 times higher than that of WS₂ (225.6 μmol h⁻¹ cm⁻²) and MoS₂ (207.2 μmol h⁻¹ cm⁻²). Hence, the proposed strategy can be used to design staggered heterojunctions with edge-rich nanosheets for photocatalytic applications.

Various redox-active organic molecules can serve as ideal electrode materials to realize sustainable energy storage systems. Yet, to be more appropriate for practical use, considerable architectural engineering of an ultrathick, high-loaded organic electrode with reliable electrochemical performance is of crucial importance. Here, by utilizing the synergetic effect of the non-covalent functionalization of highly conductive non-oxidized graphene flakes (NOGFs) and introduction of mechanically robust cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-intermingled structure, a very thick (≈ 1 mm), freestanding organic nanohybrid electrode which ensures the superiority in cycle stability and areal capacity is reported. The well-developed ion/electron pathways throughout the entire thickness and the enhanced kinetics of electrochemical reactions in the ultrathick 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethylphenazine/NOGF/CNF (DMPZ-NC) cathodes lead to the high areal energy of 9.4 mWh·cm^-2 (= 864 Wh·kg^-1 at 158 W·kg^-1). This novel ultrathick electrode architecture provides a general platform for the development of the high-performance organic battery electrodes.