Synthesis of laser-patterned MoS2 nanoneedles for advanced electrochemical sensing

We describe a novel excimer laser-based route for the fabrication of crystalline MoS2 nanoneedles. Laser annealing of MoS2 thin films at a low energy density of 0.08 Jcm(-2) resulted in a closed-pack structure with low defects and excellent conductivity due to melting and rapid quenching. A further increase in laser annealing energy density resulted in the formation of MoS2 nano-needles. This structure of MoS2 was found to have a remarkable reduction ability for H2O2 at - 0.14 V over a wide linear range; a low detection limit (0.45 nM (S/N = 3)) and sensitivity of 2.38 mu A/mM cm(-2) were demonstrated.

Automated summary

We present a novel method using excimer laser to fabricate crystalline MoS2 nanoneedles. Laser annealing at a low energy density led to a closed-pack structure with low defects and excellent conductivity. Increasing the laser annealing energy density resulted in the formation of MoS2 nano-needles. The MoS2 nano-needles showed remarkable reduction ability for H2O2 and demonstrated low detection limit and high sensitivity.