Deintercalation of Zero-Valent Metals from Two-Dimensional Layered Chalcogenides

A general solution-based approach to deintercalate zero-valent tin and copper from two-dimensional layered chalcogenides is presented using a one-step comproportionation reduction oxidation reaction. The reaction is performed between the intercalated zero-valent metal and high oxidation state metal cations (Sn4+ and Cu2+) dissolved in acetone. This chemistry is shown to work for a variety of layered chalcogenides with differing morphologies and crystallinity. Copper and tin are deintercalated from powders of MoS2, MoSe2, NbSe2, and WS2 and crystalline nanoribbons of Bi2Se3, In2Se3, and GeS. This chemistry achieves a general route to remove zero-valent tin and copper from 2D layered chalcogenides.