Tuning of 2D materials properties through controlled functionalization with opto-electroactive complexes

Project Information

Terpy2DMat

Grant agreement ID: 706238

DOI

10.3030/706238

Project closed

EC signature date 3 November 2016

Start date 1 November 2017

End date 3 October 2020

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 170 121,60

EU contribution

€ 170 121,60

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT DE VALENCIA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Terpy2DMat (Tuning of 2D materials properties through controlled functionalization with opto-electroactive complexes)

Reporting period: 2017-11-01 to 2019-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Two dimensional (2D) materials are a hot topic in chemistry, physics, materials science or even biology. However, proper functionalization of these ultrathin layers to tune their electronic charge and spin properties beyond current systems is still under development. In this scenario, Terpy2DMat pursued the tailoring of the electronic and optical properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) through the anchoring of electroactive metal complexes. The specific goals of the project were:
1. Developing new protocols for functionalizing the exfoliated TMDCs surfaces with electroactive conjugated molecules
2. Full characterization of the hybrid structures by complementary techniques
3. Integration of the functionalized 2D materials into simple devices to prove their photo-electronic properties and potential technological applications
To reach these goals we focused on the electrostatic functionalization of MoS2 layers (the most representative TMDC) with metallo-terpyridyl complexes.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the development of the project, electroactive metallic complexes based on terpyridyl ligand (4’-aminophenyl terpyridyl, TPY) have been synthetized. These complexes can be protonated at optimum pH values. Thanks to this property it is possible to functionalize the negatively charged MoS2 ultrathin layers with the TPY complexes. Thus, the formation of the new hybrid material is driven by soft electrostatic forces and the integrity of the components is not compromised. Interestingly, it has been observed that there is a nearly vertical alignment of metallo-terpyridyl complexes on the MoS2 layers. Finally, thanks to the preparation of simple devices, it has been possible to measure optoelectronic properties in solid state and it has been observed that photo-current measurements depend on the nature of the coordinated cation in the metallo-terpyridyl complexes.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The work done in this project can have a significant impact on the domain of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs). We have optimized a process by which one can easily functionalize and modulate opto-electronic properties of chemically exfoliated MoS2 without affecting the MoS2 nor the molecular unit structures. The hybrid structures consisting of MoS2 and redox-active, photo-responsive molecules offer many advantages in designing opto-electronic devices.

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