Laser-Triggered Bottom-Up Transcription of Chemical Information: Toward Patterned Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures

Synthetic Approaches to Molecule-2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures

The integration of 2D materials with molecular chemistry to create molecule-2D material heterostructures presents a compelling strategy for advancing material design and applications. This approach provides precise control over the structure and properties of 2D materials, effectively addressing challenges in their production and fabrication. Among these, molecule-2D transition metal dichalcogenide (mTMD) heterostructures have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive electronic, optical, and catalytic properties, as well as the intriguing emergent states and phenomena resulting from interactions with adjacent molecular and material layers. Achieving the desired electronic and optical properties in these heterostructures hinges on carefully controlling the interactions at the molecule/TMD interfaces. This minireview highlights recent progress in mTMD heterostructures, emphasizing the principles underlying interface interactions, molecular arrangement, and innovative synthetic methodologies.

Lattice atom-bridged chemical bond interface facilitates charge transfer for boosted photoelectric response

The construction of chemical bonds at heterojunction interfaces currently presents a promising avenue for enhancing photogenerated carrier interfacial transfer. However, the deliberate modulation of these interfacial chemical bonds remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully established a p-n junction composed of atomic-level Pt-doped CeO2 and 2D metalloporphyrins metal-organic framework nanosheets (Pt-CeO2/CuTCPP(Fe)), which enables the realization of photoelectric enhancement by regulating the interfacial Fe-O bond and optimizing the built-in electric field. Atomic-level Pt doping in CeO2 leads to an increased density of oxygen vacancies and lattice mutation, which induces a transition in interfacial Fe-O bonds from adsorbed oxygen (Fe-OA) to lattice oxygen (Fe-OL). This transition changes the interfacial charge flow pathway from Fe-OA-Ce to Fe-OL, effectively reducing the carrier transport distance along the atomic-level charge transport highway. This results in a 2.5-fold enhancement in photoelectric performance compared with the CeO2/CuTCPP(Fe). Furthermore, leveraging the peroxidase-like activity of the p-n junction, we employed this functional heterojunction interface to develop a photoelectrochemical immunoassay for the sensitive detection of prostate-specific antigens.

Controllable Graphene/MoS2 Heterointerfaces by Perpendicular Surface Functionalization

Surface chemistry and interface interactions profoundly influence the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials and heterostructures. Therefore, developing methods to precisely control surfaces and interfaces is crucial for harnessing the properties and functions of 2D materials and heterostructures. Here, we developed a facile approach to tuning the interface distance and properties of graphene/MoS2 heterostructures (G/MoS2) by varying the functional groups attached to the surface of graphene bottom layer. We systematically investigated how different functionalized graphene bottom layers affect the interlayer distance, coupling between the interlayers, and optical properties of resulting G/MoS2 heterostructures. Our findings indicate that both the size and electron-withdrawing/donating properties of functional groups are pivotal in regulating charge transport properties, with size playing a particularly decisive role. Our approach demonstrates an efficient and flexible pathway to regulate the interlayer spacing and charge transport, highlighting the potential of engineering interface chemistry in optimizing properties of van der Waals heterostructures.

Laser-Induced photothermal activation of multilayer MoS2 with spatially controlled catalytic activity

This study investigates the effects of high-power laser irradiation on multilayer MoS2, a promising material for catalysis, optoelectronics, and energy applications. In addition to previously reported sculpting of MoS2 layers, we discovered a novel effect of laser-induced photothermal heating that drives the chemical activation of MoS2. The photothermal effect was confirmed by temperature-dependent experiments, in situ temperature measurements with nanolocalized probes, and simulations. Remarkably, we observed the reduction of Ag+ ions on laser-irradiated MoS2 layers, forming plasmonic nanostructures without external stimuli such as photons or chemical reducing agents. We attribute this phenomenon to the significant defect density within the laser-carved region and the surrounding area induced by photothermal effects. Further functionalization of the laser-modified MoS2 with 4-nitrobenzenethiol self-assembled monolayers demonstrated a significant increase in photocatalytic activity, close to 100% yield compared to the negligible activity of pristine material. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the light-induced modification of MoS2 properties and introduce a novel method for spatially controlling the chemical activation of MoS2. This advancement holds significant potential in developing high-performance 2D semiconductors as nano-engineered catalytic materials.

Chemical Patterning on Nanocarbons: Functionality Typewriting

Nanocarbon materials have become extraordinarily compelling for their significant potential in the cutting-edge science and technology. These materials exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties due to their distinctive low-dimensional structures and tailored surface characteristics. An attractive direction at the forefront of this field involves the spatially resolved chemical functionalization of a diverse range of nanocarbons, encompassing carbon nanotubes, graphene, and a myriad of derivative structures. In tandem with the technological leaps in lithography, these endeavors have fostered the creation of a novel class of nanocarbon materials with finely tunable physical and chemical attributes, and programmable multi-functionalities, paving the way for new applications in fields such as nanoelectronics, sensing, photonics, and quantum technologies. Our review examines the swift and dynamic advancements in nanocarbon chemical patterning. Key breakthroughs and future opportunities are highlighted. This review not only provides an in-depth understanding of this fast-paced field but also helps to catalyze the rational design of advanced next-generation nanocarbon-based materials and devices.

Superior high-temperature capacitive performance of polyaryl ether ketone copolymer composites enabled by interfacial engineered charge traps

Metalized film capacitors with high-temperature capacitive performance are crucial components in contemporary electromagnetic energy systems. However, the fabrication of polymer-based dielectric composites with designed structures faces the challenge of balancing high energy density (Ue) and low energy loss induced by electric field distortion at the interfaces. Here, BN nanoparticles coated with a thin layer of aminobenzoic acid (ABA) voltage stabilizer are introduced into a copolymer of aryletherketone and 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (P(AEK-BBP)). Our results demonstrate that the ABA voltage stabilizer, possessing high electron affinity, significantly improves the dispersion of BN particles within the matrix, mitigates electric field distortion, and creates effective charge traps. This, in turn, effectively suppresses high-temperature-induced Schottky emission and P-F emission, leading to a dramatic decrease in leakage loss. As a result, the optimized composite film, filled with 0.3 vol% m-ABA-BN particles, exhibites a Ue of 10.1 J cm-3 and a η of 90% at 150 °C and 600 MV m-1, surpassing the majority of previously reported materials. Furthermore, even after undergoing 100 000 cycles at 150 °C and 250 MV m-1, the composite dielectric films demonstrate favorable charge-discharge characteristics. This work offers a novel approach to fabricate polymer-based dielectric materials with high-temperature resistance and high discharging efficiency for long-term high energy storage applications.

The Covalent Functionalization of Surface-Supported Graphene: An Update

In the last decade, the use of graphene supported on solid surfaces has broadened its scope and applications, and graphene has acquire a promising role as a major component of high-performance electronic devices. In this context, the chemical modification of graphene has become essential. In particular, covalent modification offers key benefits, including controllability, stability, and the facility to be integrated into manufacturing operations. In this Review, we critically comment on the latest advances in the covalent modification of supported graphene on substrates. We analyze the different chemical modifications with special attention to radical reactions. In this context, we review the latest achievements in reactivity control, tailoring electronic properties, and introducing active functionalities. Finally, we extended our analysis to other emerging 2D materials supported on surfaces, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides, and elemental analogs of graphene.