A zero-dimensional/two-dimensional heterostructure consists of binary SnO₂–ZnO quantum dots (QDs) deposited on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanosheets. The so-called SnO₂–ZnO QDs/g-C₃N₄ hybrid was successfully synthesized via an in situ co-pyrolysis approach to achieve efficient photoactivity for the degradation of pollutants and production of hydrogen (H₂) under visible-light irradiation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show the close contacts between SnO₂–ZnO QDs with the g-C₃N₄ in the ternary SnO₂–ZnO QDs/g-C₃N₄ hybrid. The optimized hybrid shows excellent photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 99% rhodamine B dye degradation in 60 min under visible-light irradiation. The enriched charge-carrier separation and transportation in the SnO₂–ZnO QDs/g-C₃N₄ hybrid was determined based on electrochemical impedance and photocurrent analyses. This remarkable photoactivity is ascribed to the “smart” heterostructure, which yields numerous benefits, such as visible-light-driven fast electron and hole transfer, due to the strong interaction between the SnO₂–ZnO QDs with the g-C₃N₄ matrix. In addition, the SnO₂–ZnO QDs/g-C₃N₄ hybrid demonstrated a high rate of hydrogen production (13 673.61 μmol g^–1), which is 1.06 and 2.27 times higher than that of the binary ZnO/g-C₃N₄ hybrid (12 785.54 μmol g^–1) and pristine g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst (6017.72 μmol g^–1). The synergistic effect of increased visible absorption and diminished recombination results in enhanced performance of the as-synthesized tin oxide- and zinc oxide-modified g-C₃N₄. We conclude that the present ternary SnO₂–ZnO QDs/g-C₃N₄ hybrid is a promising electrode material for H₂ production and photoelectrochemical cells.

This paper reports the solvothermal synthesis of MoS₂ nanoflowers and nanosheets. The nanoflowers have a mean diameter of about 100 nm and were obtained using thioacetamide (C₂H₅NS) as a sulfur source. The few layered nanosheets were obtained using thiourea (CH₄N₂S) as a sulfur source. The obtained powders were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lubricating effect of MoS₂ nanoflowers and nanosheets were analyzed using four‐ball test, the topography of the wear scar was analyzed using SEM, EDS, and 3D surface profilometry. The relationship between the tribological properties and morphology of the materials was determined. It is observed that the engine oil containing the MoS₂ nanomaterials penetrated more easily into the interface space, and it formed a continuous film on the interface surface. The tribological performance showed that the synthesized nanosheets had superior antiwear and friction‐reducing properties as a lubrication additive compared with nanoflowers. Also, the wear scar of balls lubricated with nanoflowers revealed a larger diameter compared to nanosheets. In conclusion, nanosheets dispensed in oil have better tribological performance compared to nanoflowers oil in terms of capability to reduce friction.