A one-step approach to the large-scale synthesis of functionalized MoS nanosheets by ionic liquid assisted grinding

A prerequisite for exploiting most proposed applications for MoS is the availability of water-dispersible functionalized MoS nanosheets in large quantities. Here we report one-step synthesis and surface functionalization of MoS nanosheets by a facile ionic liquid assisted grinding method in the presence of chitosan. The selected ionic liquid with suitable surface energy could efficiently overcome the van der Waals force between the MoS layers. Meanwhile, chitosan molecules bind to the plane of MoS sheets non-covalently, which prevents the reassembling of exfoliated MoS sheets and facilitates the exfoliation progress. The obtained chitosan functionalized MoS nanosheets possess favorable stability and biocompatibility, which renders them as promising and biocompatible near-infrared agents for photothermal ablation of cancer. This contribution provides a facile way for the green, one-step and large-scale synthesis of advanced functional MoS materials.