Functionalized Substrates with Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures

NU 2018-210

INVENTORS

  • Vinayak Dravid*
  • Xinqi Chen
  • Jennifer Geary DiStefano
  • Yuan Li

SHORT DESCRIPTION
This invention presents functionalized substrates featuring transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterostructures, designed to enhance electrocatalytic systems for applications such as hydrogen production.

BACKGROUND
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), are pivotal in next-generation electronics due to their unique properties. Despite their potential, traditional production methods like mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) face challenges in yield and precision. Moreover, while MoS2 is a promising non-precious material for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), its bulk form lacks natural activity and conductivity, necessitating structural modifications that can compromise stability.

ABSTRACT
This invention introduces a novel method for synthesizing and engineering two-dimensional TMD materials, such as MoS2, with precise control over their structure and properties. By using gold nanoparticles as seeds during chemical vapor deposition (CVD), researchers can create unique core-shell structures with MoS2 shells and wing-like extensions. These "wings" provide abundant edge sites, improving performance in applications like hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and electronic devices. The method enables scalable, customizable growth of TMD materials with enhanced catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and structural stability, paving the way for advanced energy and electronic technologies.

APPLICATIONS

  • Renewable Energy Catalysis
    • Au@MoS2 heterostructures offers significant improvements in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions
  • Advanced Electronic Device Manufacturing
    • Synthesis of MoS2 monolayers enables direct fabrication of high-performance integrated circuits and transistors​​​​​​

ADVANTAGES

  • Enhanced control over TMD synthesis
  • Improved catalytic performance for HER
  • Cost-effective alternative to precious metals

PUBLICATIONS
Xinqi Chen, Vinayak P. Dravid, et al., "Site-Specific Positioning and Patterning of MoS2 Monolayers: The Role of Au Seeding" ACS Nano, Vol 12, Issue 9, August 20, 2018.

IP STATUS
Issued US Patent No. 11,214,878

Patent Information: