Chemically-Linked Heterostructures of Palladium Nanosheets and 2H-MoS.

The burgeoning field of 2D heterostructures targets the combination of 2D materials with 3D, 1D, or 0D nanomaterials. Among the most popular 2D materials, the 2H polytype of molybdenum disulfide (MoS) features a well-defined bandgap that becomes direct at the monolayer level, which can be exploited for photodetection. A notable limitation of 2H-MoS is its curtailed absorbance beyond the visible range.

Magnetic dimeric metal-porphyrin rings mechanically bonded around carbon nanotubes: the role of nanotube defects modulating magnetic properties.

Carbon nanotubes constitute an excellent option to connect molecular nanomagnets (MNMs) to solid-state devices, allowing the electrical control of the molecule spin state. The main challenge in this area is to obtain stable nanohybrid structures that preserve the magnetic properties and functionality of the molecule. One of the strategies developed to build these structures combining MNMs and carbon nanotubes involves the encapsulation of the nanotube within magnetic organic macrocycle(s), leading to magnetic mechanically interlocked derivatives of carbon nanotubes (mMINTs).

Rapid and simple viral protein detection by functionalized 2D MoS/graphene electrochemiluminescence aptasensor.

In this work we present the development of an electrochemiluminescence aptasensor based on electrografting molybdenum disulphide nanosheets functionalized with diazonium salt (MoS-N) upon screen-printed electrodes of graphene (SPEs GPH) for viral proteins detection. In brief, this aptasensor consists of SPEs GPH electrografted with MoS-N and modified with a thiolated aptamer, which can specifically recognize the target protein analyte. In this case, we have used SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as model protein.

Scope and Limitations of Using Microemulsions for the Covalent Patterning of Graphene.

Patterning of graphene (functionalizing some areas while leaving others intact) is challenging, as all the C atoms in the basal plane are identical, but it is also desirable for a variety of applications, like opening a bandgap in the electronic structure of graphene. Several methods have been reported to pattern graphene, but most of them are very technologically intensive. Recently, we reported the use of microemulsions as templates to pattern graphene at the μm scale.

Characterization of emerging 2D materials after chemical functionalization.

The chemical modification of 2D materials has proven a powerful tool to fine tune their properties. With this motivation, the development of new reactions has moved extremely fast. The need for speed, together with the intrinsic heterogeneity of the samples, has sometimes led to permissiveness in the purification and characterization protocols.

Clicking beyond suspensions: understanding thiol-ene chemistry on solid-supported MoS.

Molecular functionalization of MoS has attracted a lot of attention due to its potential to afford fine-tuned hybrid materials that benefit from the power of synthetic chemistry and molecular design. Here, we report on the on-surface reaction of maleimides on bulk and molecular beam epitaxy grown single-layer MoS, both in ambient conditions as well as ultrahigh vacuum using scanning probe microscopy.

Automated statistical analysis of raman spectra of nanomaterials.

Both at the academic and the industrial level, material scientists are exploring routes for mass production and functionalization of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon dots, 2D materials, and heterostructures of these. Proper application of the novel materials requires fast and thorough characterization of the samples. Raman spectroscopy stands out as a standard non-invasive technique capable of giving key information on the structure and electronic properties of nanomaterials, including the presence of defects, degree of functionalization, diameter (in the case of CNT), different polytypes, doping, .

A "signal off-on" fluorescence bioassay based on 2D-MoS-tetrahedral DNA bioconjugate for rapid virus detection.

In this work we present the preparation of a 2D molybdenum disulphide nanosheets (2D-MoS) and tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) bioconjugate, and its application to the development of a bioassay for rapid and easy virus detection. The bioconjugate has been prepared by using TDNs carrying the capture probe labelled with 6-carboxyfluoresceine (6-FAM). As case of study to assess the utility of the assay developed, we have chosen the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Interlocking Matrix and Filler for Enhanced Individualization and Reinforcement in Polymer-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites.

Poor individualization and interfacial adhesion prevent single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-polymer composites from reaching outstanding mechanical properties. With much larger diameters, but common structural features (high aspect ratio and absence of functional groups for covalent or supramolecular attachment with the polymer), carbon fibers face similar problems, which are addressed by covering the fibers with a thin layer of polymer. This sizing strategy has allowed carbon fibers to become the filler of choice for the highest performing materials.

Mechanical Interlocking to Unlock the Reinforcing Potential of Carbon Nanotubes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) present extraordinary mechanical properties, with Youngs' modulus>1 TPa and tensile strength>50 GPa; this makes them ideal candidates as fillers for the reinforcement of polymers. However, the performance of SWNTs in this field has fallen behind expectations. This is due to a combination of imperfect individualization of the SWNTs and poor load transfer from the polymer to the SWNTs.

MoS-Carbon Nanodots as a New Electrochemiluminescence Platform for Breast Cancer Biomarker Detection.

In this work, we present the combination of two different types of nanomaterials, 2D molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS-NS) and zero-dimensional carbon nanodots (CDs), for the development of a new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform for the early detection and quantification of the biomarker human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), whose overexpression is associated with breast cancer. MoS-NS are used as an immobilization platform for the thiolated aptamer, which can recognize the HER2 epitope peptide with high affinity, and CDs act as coreactants of the anodic oxidation of the luminophore [Ru(bpy)]. The HER2 biomarker is detected by changes in the ECL signal of the [Ru(bpy)]/CD system, with a low detection limit of 1.

Microwave-Driven Exfoliation of Bulk 2H-MoS after Acetonitrile Prewetting Produces Large-Area Ultrathin Flakes with Exceptionally High Yield.

2D materials display exciting properties in numerous fields, but the development of applications is hindered by the low yields, high processing times, and impaired quality of current exfoliation methods. In this work we have used the excellent MW absorption properties of MoS to induce a fast heating that produces the near-instantaneous evaporation of an adsorbed, low boiling point solvent. The sudden evaporation creates an internal pressure that separates the MoS layers with high efficiency, and these are kept separated by the action of the dispersion solvent.

Direct Magnetic Evidence, Functionalization, and Low-Temperature Magneto-Electron Transport in Liquid-Phase Exfoliated FePS.

Magnetism and the existence of magnetic order in a material is determined by its dimensionality. In this regard, the recent emergence of magnetic layered van der Waals (vdW) materials provides a wide playground to explore the exotic magnetism arising in the two-dimensional (2D) limit. The magnetism of 2D flakes, especially antiferromagnetic ones, however, cannot be easily probed by conventional magnetometry techniques, being often replaced by indirect methods like Raman spectroscopy.

Design and Manipulation of a Minimalistic Hydrocarbon Nanocar on Au(111).

Nanocars are carbon-based single-molecules with a precise design that facilitates their atomic-scale control on a surface. The rational design of these molecules is important in atomic and molecular-scale manipulation to advance the development of molecular machines, as well as for a better understanding of self-assembly, diffusion and desorption processes. Here, we introduce the molecular design and construction of a collection of minimalistic nanocars.

Mechanically interlocked derivatives of carbon nanotubes: synthesis and potential applications.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) present one of the most interesting collections of properties among nanomaterials. Some sort of chemical modification of SWNTs is often used as a strategy to make the most of their intrinsic properties. In the last few years, the mechanical bond has been added to the chemistry toolbox for SWNT modification.

Mechanical interlocking of SWNTs with N-rich macrocycles for efficient ORR electrocatalysis.

Substitutional N-doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes is a common strategy to enhance their electrocatalytic properties in the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we explore the encapsulation of SWNTs within N-rich macrocycles as an alternative strategy to display electroactive sites on the surface of SWNTs. We design and synthesize four types of mechanically interlocked derivatives of SWNTs (MINTs) by combining two types of macrocycles and two types of SWNT samples.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulated within Metallacycles.

Mechanically interlocked derivatives of carbon nanotubes (MINTs) are interesting nanotube products since they show high stability without altering the carbon nanotube structure. So far, MINTs have been synthesized using ring-closing metathesis, disulfide exchange reaction, H-bonding or direct threading with macrocycles. Here, we describe the encapsulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes within a palladium-based metallosquare.

Microemulsions for the covalent patterning of graphene.

We show that microemulsions can be used as a simple, cheap and scalable template for the covalent patterning of graphene.

Functionalized epoxy with adjustable fluorescence and UV-shielding enabled by reactive addition of 9-anthracenemethoxyl glycidyl ether.

Functionalized epoxies show unique advantages in some special applications. Herein, a fluorescent and UV-shielding dual-functional epoxy resin, epoxy-EAn, is prepared synthesizing and incorporating a reactive additive, 9-anthracenemethoxyl glycidyl ether (EAn), into the resin system. The results show that EAn performs an outstanding migration resistance.

Fabrication of devices featuring covalently linked MoS-graphene heterostructures.

The most widespread method for the synthesis of 2D-2D heterostructures is the direct growth of one material on top of the other. Alternatively, flakes of different materials can be manually stacked on top of each other. Both methods typically involve stacking 2D layers through van der Waals forces-such that these materials are often referred to as van der Waals heterostructures-and are stacked one crystal or one device at a time.

Magnetic, Mechanically Interlocked Porphyrin-Carbon Nanotubes for Quantum Computation and Spintronics.

Atomic-scale reproducibility and tunability endorse magnetic molecules as candidates for spin qubits and spintronics. A major challenge is to implant those molecular spins into circuit geometries that may allow one, two, or a few spins to be addressed in a controlled way. Here, the formation of mechanically bonded, magnetic porphyrin dimeric rings around carbon nanotubes (mMINTs) is presented.

A MoS platform and thionine-carbon nanodots for sensitive and selective detection of pathogens.

This work focuses on the combination of molybdenum disulfide (MoS) and à la carte functionalized carbon nanodots (CNDs) for the development of DNA biosensors for selective and sensitive detection of pathogens. MoS flakes prepared through liquid-phase exfoliation, serves as platform for thiolated DNA probe immobilization, while thionine functionalized carbon nanodots (Thi-CNDs) are used as electrochemical indicator of the hybridization event. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies confirmed the interaction of Thi-CNDs with DNA.

Covalent modification of franckeite with maleimides: connecting molecules and van der Waals heterostructures.

The building of van der Waals heterostructures and the decoration of 2D materials with organic molecules share a common goal: to obtain ultrathin materials with tailored properties. Performing controlled chemistry on van der Waals heterostructures would add an extra level of complexity, providing a pathway towards 2D-2D-0D mixed-dimensional heterostructures. Here we show that thiol-ene-like "click" chemistry can be used to decorate franckeite, a naturally occurring van der Waals heterostructure with maleimide reagents.