Ordered 2D layered MoS2/conjugated polymer nanocomposites: influences of sulfonated β-cyclodextrin on the preparation and properties

Nanocomposites of MoS 2 and conjugated polymers are excellent candidates for optical limiters, solid electrodes, electrolytes, and other purposes. The ordered layered structures of nanocomposites are essential. A strategy to prepare the regular two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS 2 /conjugated polymer nanocomposites was developed based on the β -cyclodextrin ( β -CD) template. The complete intercalation nanocomposites of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT), and polypyrrole (PPy) were prepared successfully. MoS 2 is in the form of a monolayer or no more than trilayer with conjugated polymers inserted into the interlayers. In comparison with that of β -CD, sulfonated β -CD ( β -CDSO 3 ) has better water-soluble and act as dopants to improve the electrical and electrochemical performances of these nanocomposites simultaneously. The conductivities of nanocomposites based on β -CDSO 3 template increase by one to three orders of magnitude, and their capacitance performances are superior. As an innovative route to prepare the regular 2D layered MoS 2 /polymer nanocomposites, the methodology is expected to be applicable to a wide range of layered materials and hydrophobic monomers. A strategy to prepare regular 2D layered MoS 2 /conjugated polymer composites with high conductivity was developed via β -CDSO 3 template.