Molybdenum disulfide quantum dots: synthesis and applications

Abstract

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) have received a notable amount of interests due to its fascinating properties and versatile potential applications. One such material is Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2), which has unique, superior functional properties including high current-carrying capacity and large carrier mobility which has drawn interest in many emerging fields. Especially, MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) are being fascinated for various applications such as electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reaction, sensing and bioimaging. In this review, we will take 2D TMD MoS2 QDs as a typical example and discuss its latest research advancement with emphasis on synthesis and applications.

Electrically Pumped White‐Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Histidine‐Doped MoS2 Quantum Dots

“…Traditionally, the light‐emitting spectra using QDs as a light source have many advantages, such as high color purity (narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM)), solution processability, and superb stability. In addition, the light‐emitting wavelength could be controlled by simple variation in the size of QDs according to the quantum size effect . Thus, it is possible to synthesize QDs with emitting wavelength covering the whole visible spectrum, which is very useful for optoelectronic devices.…”

Design, Synthesis, and Surface Modification of Materials Based on Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides for Biomedical Applications

“…0D TMDC nanostructures possess distinct structure and edge chemistry, which are different from 2D morphologies. 0D TMDCs, such as TMDC quantum dots (QDs), have been recognized as a prospective candidate for biomedical applications, due to their high stability, low toxicity, large edge‐to‐volume ratios, photoluminescence, and suitable optical properties . In particular, most 0D TMDCs reported to date are ultrasmall.…”

“…The wet‐chemical synthesis method (bottom‐up method) for the preparation of 0D TMDCs for biomedical applications can also be classified into hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. Among the established chemical methods, the hydrothermal method has attracted extensive interest due to its obvious advantages, such as precise control, ease of handling, high yield, low air pollution, and uniform products . Like 2D TMDCs, the hydrothermal synthesis of 0D TDMCs is carried out in a sealed poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon) autoclave with a reaction temperature of around 200 °C using metal salts as precursors .…”

“…The absence of dangling bonds on the surface of TMDCs makes them remain highly stable in liquid and air, which facilitates their incorporation in biosystems . Due to their 2D structure, TMDCs exhibit an extremely large surface‐to‐volume ratio, making them easy to functionalize and interact with biomedical materials to realize enhanced biocompatibility, as well as the loading of various therapeutic agents . In addition to their unique structures, with the combination of chalcogen atoms and transition‐metal atoms, TMDCs also exhibit diverse chemistry and physics characteristics, such as optical properties, electronic band structure, Raman scattering, luminescence, and semiconducting behavior .…”

Emerging 0D Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides for Sensors, Biomedicine, and Clean Energy

“…Therefore, the more precise the control over these characteristics, the better would the 0D TMDs' overall functionalities. So far, a range of approaches have been utilized for preparation of 0D TMDs and those synthetic routes can be classified as top‐down and bottom‐up approaches . Top‐down synthesis approaches are based on exfoliation of their bulk crystals or etching of larger 2D morphologies, whereas bottom‐up approaches are conducted through a range of synthesis routes with diverse kinds of transition metal and chalcogenide precursors.…”