Angstrom-Size Defect Creation and Ionic Transport through Pores in Single-Layer MoS2.

Atomic-defect engineering in thin membranes provides opportunities for ionic and molecular filtration and analysis. While molecular-dynamics (MD) calculations have been used to model conductance through atomic vacancies, corresponding experiments are lacking. We create sub-nanometer vacancies in suspended single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) via Ga+ ion irradiation, producing membranes containing ∼300 to 1200 pores with average and maximum diameters of ∼0.5 and ∼1 nm, respectively. Vacancies exhibit missing Mo and S atoms, as shown by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM). The longitudinal acoustic band and defect-related photoluminescence were observed in Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. As the irradiation dose is increased, the median vacancy area remains roughly constant, while the number of vacancies (pores) increases. Ionic current versus voltage is nonlinear and conductance is comparable to that of ∼1 nm diameter single MoS2 pores, proving that the smaller pores in the distribution display negligible conductance. Consistently, MD simulations show that pores with diameters <0.6 nm are almost impermeable to ionic flow. Atomic pore structure and geometry, studied by AC-STEM, are critical in the sub-nanometer regime in which the pores are not circular and the diameter is not well-defined. This study lays the foundation for future experiments to probe transport in large distributions of angstrom-size pores.

Optically and biologically active mussel protein-coated double-walled carbon nanotubes.

A method of dispersing strongly bundled double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) via a homogeneous coating of mussel protein in an aqueous solution is presented. Optical activity, mechanical strength, as well as electrical conductivity coming from the nanotubes and the versatile biological activity from the mussel protein make mussel-coated DWNTs promising as a multifunctional scaffold and for anti-fouling materials.

Mechanically tough, electrically conductive polyethylene oxide nanofiber web incorporating DNA-wrapped double-walled carbon nanotubes.

Electrospun biopolymer-derived nanofiber webs are promising scaffolds for growing tissue and cells. However, the webs are mechanically weak and electrically insulating. We have synthesized a polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofiber web that is pliable, tough, and electrically conductive, by incorporating optically active, DNA-wrapped, double-walled carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes were individually trapped along the length of the PEO nanofiber and acted as mechanically reinforcing filler and an electrical conductor.