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Controlled and straightforward functionalization are relevant strategies to obtain MoS2 platforms with defined functionality and improved processability. In this work, an efficient strategy for the functionalization of MoS2 using Reversible Addition Fragmentation Transfer (RAFT) polymerization is reported. The RAFT reagent was directly created on the surface of freshly exfoliated MoS2 and the obtained two-dimensional platform was used for the polymerization of styrene and acrylamide monomers. Various ratios of divinylbenzene were used to crosslink polystyrene brushes and create a polymeric coverage on the surface of MoS2. Furthermore, the polymerization of a mixture of styrene and acrylamide monomers using a MoS2-based RAFT agent resulted in two-dimensional platforms containing copolymer brushes. The structures of the synthesized two-dimensional materials were investigated using different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques as well as thermal and elemental analyses. This research provides an efficient method for the preparation of functional two-dimensional MoS2 nanostructures using RAFT polymerization in gram scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional nanomaterials decorated by metal nanoparticles have gained great interest, due to their potential applications in different areas ranging from electrochemical sensing to photothermal therapy. However, metal nanoparticles that are noncovalently immobilized on the surface of two-dimensional nanomaterials can be dissociated from their surface in the complex mediums. This challenge can be overcome by covalent attachment of nanoparticles to the surface of these platforms. In this work, MoS 2 sheets are decorated by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) reaction. Reactive centers were created on the surface of freshly exfoliated MoS 2 and a two-dimensional platform with the ability of initiating the RAFT reaction was obtained. Afterwards, silver nanoparticles with acrylamide functionality were synthesized and attached on the surface of MoS 2 sheets by the RAFT reaction. MoS 2 -AgNPs hybrids were characterized by different spectroscopy and microscopy methods as well as thermal and elemental analyses, and then they were used for the electrochemical determination of dipyridamole in aqueous solution. Taking advantage of the straightforward synthesis and the possible MoS 2 -AgNPs distance adjustment, a variety of hybrid systems with unique physicochemical and optoelectronic properties can be constructed by using this method.