MoS2-quantum dot triggered reactive oxygen species generation and depletion: responsible for enhanced chemiluminescence

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is of intense interest because of its crucial role in many fields. Here we demonstrate that MoS₂-QDs exhibit a promising capability for the generation of reactive oxygen species, which leads to enhanced chemiluminescence. We discovered that the unique performance is due to hydroxyl radical activation increasing the active catalytic sites on molybdenum sulphide quantum dots (MoS₂-QDs). The reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), superoxide radicals (˙O₂⁻) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) have been efficiently generated from H₂O₂ solution in alkaline conditions. In particular, the maximum ˙OH yield was enhanced significantly (9.18 times) compared to the Fe(II)/H₂O₂ Fenton system under neutral conditions. These findings not only enrich our understanding of the fascinating performance of MoS₂ QDs, but also provide a new pathway for ROS generation in all kinds of pH environment.