Shaping Sulfur Precursors to Low Dimensional (0D, 1D and 2D) Sulfur Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization, Mechanism, Functionalization, and Applications

Abstract

Low‐dimensional sulfur nanomaterials featuring with 0D sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), sulfur nanodots (SNDs) and sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), 1D sulfur nanorods (SNRs), and 2D sulfur nanosheets (SNSs) have emerged as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible class of metal‐free nanomaterials, sparking extensive interest in a wide range application. In this review, various synthetic methods, precise characterization, creative formation mechanism, delicate functionalization, and versatile applications of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials over the last decades are systematically summarized. Initially, it is striven to summarize the progress of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials from versatile precursors by using different synthetic approaches and various characterization. Then, a multi‐faceted proposed formation mechanism with emphasis on how these different precursors produce corresponding SNPs, SNDs, SQDs, SNRs, and SNSs is highlighted. Besides, it is essential to fine‐tune the surface functional groups of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials to form new complex nanomaterials. Finally, these sulfur nanomaterials are being investigated in bio‐sensing, bio‐imaging, lithium–sulfur batteries, antibacterial activities, plant growth along with future perspective and challenges in emerging fields. The purpose of this review is to tailor low dimensional nanomaterials through accurately selecting precursors or synthetic approach and provide a foundation for the formation of versatile sulfur nanostructure.

Thiol ligand-mediated exfoliation of bulk sulfur to nanosheets and nanodots: applications in antibacterial activity

“…Recently, sulfur-based nanomaterials have garnered noteworthy attention due to their versatile applications, ranging from the advancement of Li–S batteries to antimicrobial uses. 24–29 Most existing synthetic methods for creating sulfur nanomaterials involve harsh reaction conditions, such as hydrothermal methods, and the usage of corrosive chemicals. 30–32 Until now, there have been limited investigations focused on stabilizing sulfur nanomaterials, particularly nanosheets and nanodots, under mild conditions.…”

Fabrication of highly luminescent and thermally stable composites of sulfur nanodots through surface modification and assembly

“…Sulfur nanodots (S-dots), a type of newly developed metal-free photoluminescence (PL) nanomaterial, have received intensive research interest because of their low toxicity, tunable PL, abundance of precursors, and anti-fungal properties. 1–6 Tremendous efforts have been devoted to converting bulk sulfur into luminescent nanodots, and they showed great potential for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), 1,7 bioimaging, 8,9 photocatalysis, 10,11 and chemical sensing. 12–14 Shen and co-workers proposed the synthesis of S-dots through etching of bulk elemental sulfur using an alkali with the stabilization of surfactants.…”

Tailoring the energy gap to promote long wavelength emission of nitrogen-doped sulfur quantum dots via dual functional ethylenediamine

“…14 However, the preparation of current SQDs suffers from long reaction time and additional passivators 15 and they emit a short emission wavelength mostly within the blue region, which severely restricts their practical applications in photovoltaic and biological fields. 16,17 For instance, the SQDs prepared from CdS QDs through complex phase interface reactions displayed a blue emission with a maximum wavelength of 428 nm. The subsequent customarily used method was highly dependent on the S-NaOH system to produce SQDs with time-dependent emission around 400–500 nm; however, it suffers from time-consuming and effortful multi-step procedures.…”