Covalent Cross-Linking of 2H-MoS₂ Nanosheets

Graphical Abstract

Cross-linked nanosheets: The covalent combination of different flakes of 2D materials is relatively underexplored, in particular, in the case of transition metal dichalcogenides. This work reports a simple methodology of covalent cross-linking of MoS₂ through bismaleimide reagent. The MoS₂–MoS₂ homostructures show preferably a vertical connection, basal plane to basal plane of different flakes.

Abstract

The combination of 2D materials opens a wide range of possibilities to create new-generation structures with multiple applications. Covalently cross-linked approaches are a ground-breaking strategy for the formation of homo or heterostructures made by design. However, the covalent assembly of transition metal dichalcogenides flakes is relatively underexplored. Here, a simple covalent cross-linking method to build 2H-MoS₂–MoS₂ homostructures is described, using commercially available bismaleimides. These assemblies are mainly connected vertically, basal plane to basal plane, creating specific molecular sized spaces between MoS₂ sheets. Therefore, this straightforward approach gives access to the controlled connection of sulfide-based 2D materials.