Breathable MOFs Layer on Atomically Grown 2D SnS2 for Stable and Selective Surface Activation

Abstract

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have significant research interests in various novel applications due to their intriguing physicochemical properties. Notably, one of the 2D TMDs, SnS2, has superior chemiresistive sensing properties, including a planar crystal structure, a large surface-to-volume ratio, and a low electronic noise. However, the long-term stability of SnS2 in humid conditions remains a critical shortcoming towards a significant degradation of sensitivity. Herein, it is demonstrated that the subsequent self-assembly of zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) can be achieved in situ growing on SnS2 nanoflakes as the homogeneous porous materials. ZIF-8 layer on SnS2 allows the selective diffusion of target gas species, while effectively preventing the SnS2 from severe oxidative degradation. Molecular modeling such as molecular dynamic simulation and DFT calculation, further supports the mechanism of sensing stability and selectivity. From the results, the in situ grown ZIF-8 porous membrane on 2D materials corroborates the generalizable strategy for durable and reliable high-performance electronic applications of 2D materials.