Polymer Grafted Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Hybrids and NanoComposites

Molecular-level hybridization between polymers and layered transition metal dichalcogenides (LTMDs) result in emergent opto-electronic properties that are spurring development of low-cost, large-area technologies, from multi-functional sensors to optical coatings. The semi-conductive and semi-metallic character of few-to-monolayer LTMDs are tuned with surface-bound species, such as polymers, via orbital coupling and charge injection. However, balancing the requisite stoichiometric surface control with dispersability, processibility, and subsequent mechanical robustness is challenging. To meet these challenges, we utilize the redox exfoliation method to generate anhydrous LTMD dispersions, which enables direct functionalization of the LTMD surface, such as via Grignard coupling, derivitization with polymers, such as via RAFT / ATRP growth techniques, and nanometer control of morphology, such as via stoichiometric blending with polymers. The expanded formulation space supports design of opto-electronic performance via specific polymer-LTMD interactions, as well as bottom-up assembly of single-component mesostructured nanocomposites with improved mechanical toughness, for integration into a wide range of coatings, films, and monoliths.