Green synthesis of luminescent and defect-free bio-nanosheets of MoS2: interfacing two-dimensional crystals with hydrophobins

Abstract

Solution processing and biofunctionalization of two-dimensional crystals are pivotal for their (biomedical) applications. Here we interface ultrathin layers of MoS₂ with the surface active and self-assembling fungal proteins named Vmh2, which belong to the hydrophobin family. We produce few-layered biofunctionalized MoS₂ (bio-MoS₂) nanosheets via liquid phase exfoliation in a green solvent, and controlled centrifugation; a low-cost and eco-friendly process. The dispersions are investigated by electrophoretic mobility, atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-Vis, Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The nanosheets present a defect-free vibrational spectrum, tunable zeta-potential and their photoluminescence is preserved after non-covalent biofunctionalization making them well suited for various biomedical applications.