Selective modification of two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets by polymer grafting

We report on the direct creation of polymer brushes on two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide via the formation of CS bond by UV-induced photopolymerization. The functionalization can be manipulated in forming polymer grafts on one side or both sides of the nanosheets. [Display omitted] As an emerging two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, single layer or a few layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has drawn significant attention in the past decade. In the present work, we report a strategy in direct creating polymer brushes on MoS2 surfaces via SC bond in the presence of UV light. The modification of MoS2 nanosheets can be achieved bilaterally or homolaterally by performing the UV-grafting polymerization on exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets or a single layer of MoS2 deposited on a silicon substrate. A series of vinyl monomers including methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene (St) and 2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline (IPOx) could be applied to this approach, leading to the formation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PIPOx) brushes. AFM, IR, and XPS characterizations indicate the successful formation of homogeneous brush layers on MoS2 surfaces. The polymer brushes modified MoS2 may found potential applications in photo dynamic therapy and sensing technologies.