Synthesis, Characterisation, and Functionalisation of Charged Two‐Dimensional MoS2

Abstract

AbstractThe applications of exfoliated MoS2 are limited by its inert surface and poor interface. We have activated the surface of exfoliated 2H‐MoS2 by reacting it with NaBH4, forming an n‐doped material as demonstrated by a negative zeta‐potential value ζ=−25 mV and a 20 nm (0.05 eV) red‐shift in its photoluminescence spectrum. The novel material's spectral properties were consistent with pristine 2H‐MoS2 (as determined by HR‐TEM, XPS, pXRD, DRIFT, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy). Importantly, it was readily dispersed in H2O unlike 2H‐MoS2. Its dispersibility properties were explored for a variety of solvents and could be directly correlated with the relative permittivity of the respective solvents. The charged 2H‐MoS2 reacted readily with an organo‐iodide to deliver functionalized 2H‐MoS2. Our approach delivers aqueous dispersions of semiconducting 2H‐MoS2, without additives or chemical functionalities, and allows for controlled and facile functionalization of 2H‐MoS2 opening multiple new avenues of semi‐conducting MoS2 application.