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

Nanocomposites of MoS2 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 MoS2/conjugated polymer nanocomposites was developed based on the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) template. The complete intercalation nanocomposites of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT), and polypyrrole (PPy) were prepared successfully. MoS2 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-CDSO3) 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-CDSO3 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 MoS2/polymer nanocomposites, the methodology is expected to be applicable to a wide range of layered materials and hydrophobic monomers.