Gold nanoparticles on MoS2 layered crystal flakes

• The Au nanoparticles were decorated on MoS2 in oxygen free ambiences via a wet method.
• The Au nanoparticles are size-controllable and crystalized.
• Chemical reaction scheme was clarified.
• The MoS2–Au complexes have strong photoluminescent properties.

Inorganic layered crystal MoS2 is considered as one of the most promising and efficient semiconductor materials for future transistors, photoelectronics, and electrocatalysis. To boost MoS2-based material applications, one direction is to grow physically and chemically reactive nanoparticles onto MoS2. Here we report on a simple route to synthesis crystalized MoS2–Au complexes. The gold nanoparticles were grown on MoS2 flakes through a wet method in the oxygen free environment at room temperature. Nanoparticles with diameters varying from 9 nm to 429 nm were controlled by the molar ratios of MoS2 and HAuCl4 precursors. MoS2 host flakes keep intrinsic honeycomb layered structures and the Au nanoparticles cubic-center crystal microstructures. From product chemical states analysis, the synthesis was found driven by redox reactions between the sulphide and the chloroauric acid. Photoluminescence measurement showed that introducing Au nanoparticles onto MoS2 stacks substantially prompted excitonic transitions of stacks, as an analogy for doping Si wafers with dopants. Such composites may have potential applications in wide ranges similar as the doped Si.

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