Supramolecular Hybrids of MoS₂ and Graphene Nanosheets with Organic Chromophores for Optoelectronic Applications

Abstract

A novel supramolecular strategy based on host–guest chemistry has been proposed for the noncovalent functionalization of MoS₂ nanosheets with organic chromophores. Stable ternary complexes are formed between benzyl imidazole functionalized MoS₂ and chromophores in the presence of cucurbit[8]uril host, resulting in noncovalent anchoring of donor and acceptor chromophores on the surface. On the other hand, in the case of graphene, we observe π–π stacking resulting in the face-on organization of chromophore on the surface. The MoS₂ and graphene hybrids have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The present design opens up new possibilities for the noncovalent functionalization of transition metal dichalcogenides even in the absence of delocalized π-electrons which are essential to alter their optoelectronic properties. In addition, these novel supramolecular hybrid materials with strong electronic communication between noncovalently anchored chromophores and the 2D nanosheets may find applications in optoelectronics and related areas.