Surface modification of MoS2 nanoparticles with ionic liquid–ligands: towards highly dispersed nanoparticles

Abstract

Highly dispersible MoS2 nanoparticles have been prepared via surface-modification using a novel tetraethylene glycol-based ionic liquid containing a chelating moiety attached to the cation. The choice of the respective ligand enables the generation of highly dispersible MoS2 nanoparticles with either polar, hydrophobic or "amphiphilic" surfaces, forming highly stable dispersions or microemulsions.