2019/11/26 by Jennifer G. DiStefano, DiStefano, Jennifer G., Akshay A. Murthy +9
Energy · Materials Science · #2D Materials and Applications #Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques #Applied Physics (physics.app-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1911.11712
openalex publication_date 2019/11/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
For years, solution processing has provided a versatile platform to extend the applications of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) beyond those achievable with traditional preparation methods. However, existing solution-based synthesis and exfoliation approaches are not compatible with complex geometries, particularly when interfacial control is desired. As a result, promising TMD structures, including MoS2/WS2 heterostructures, are barred from the rich assembly and modification opportunities possible with solution preparation. Here, we introduce a strategy that combines traditional vapor phase deposition and solution chemistry to build TMD core-shell heterostructures housed in aqueous media. We report the first synthesized TMD core-shell heterostructure, Au@MoS2@WS2, with an Au nanoparticle core and MoS2 and WS2 shells, and provide a means of suspending the structure in solution to allow for higher order patterning and ligand-based functionalization. High-resolution electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy provide detailed analysis of the structure and interfaces of the core-shell heterostructures. UV-vis, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements exhibit the outstanding natural stability and monodispersity of Au@MoS2@WS2 in solution. As a proof of concept, the aqueous environment is utilized to both functionalize the core-shell heterostructures with electrostatic ligands and pattern them into desired configurations on a target substrate. This work harnesses the advantages of vapor phase preparation of nanomaterials and the functionality possible with aqueous suspension to expand future engineering and application opportunities of TMD heterostructures.