Flatoptics hybrid MoS2/polymer films for photochemical conversion

Novel light harvesting platforms and strategies are crucial to develop renewable photon to energy conversion technologies that overcome the current global energy and environmental challenges. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductor layers are particularly attractive for photoconversion applications but new ultra-compact photon harvesting schemes are urgently required to mitigate their poor photon absorption properties. Here, we propose a flat-optics scheme based on nanogrooved ultra-thin MoS2 layers conformally grown onto large area (cm(2) scale) nanopatterned templates. The subwavelength re-shaping of the 2D-TMD layers promotes the excitation of photonic Rayleigh anomaly (RA) modes, uniquely boosting a strong in-plane electromagnetic confinement. By tailoring the illumination conditions, we demonstrate effective tuning of the photonic anomalies over a broadband visible spectrum across the absorption band of relevant polluting dye molecules. Thanks to the strong photonic in-plane confinement, we achieve a resonant enhancement of the photodissociation rate of methylene blue (MB) molecules, well above a factor of 2. These results highlight the potential of flat-optics photon harvesting schemes for boosting photoconversion efficiency in large-scale hybrid 2D-TMD/polymer layers, with a strong impact in various applications ranging from new-generation photonics to waste water remediation and renewable energy storage.

Automated summary

Novel flat-optics scheme based on nanogrooved ultra-thin MoS2 layers grown on large area nanopatterned templates is proposed to enhance photon absorption capability of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) layers. By tailoring illumination conditions, effective tuning of photonic anomalies across the absorption band of relevant dye molecules is achieved. Resonant enhancement of methylene blue (MB) molecules photodissociation rate, well above a factor of 2, is demonstrated due to strong photonic in-plane confinement. These results highlight the potential of flat-optics photon harvesting schemes in boosting photoconversion efficiency in large-scale hybrid 2D-TMD/polymer layers.