Simultaneous self-exfoliation and autonomous motion of MoS₂ particles in water

Two-dimensional (2D) transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have been receiving significant research interest due to their unique physical and electronic properties. We report the design of a MoS₂ based motor that can display simultaneous self-exfoliation and autonomous motion at the surface of water. Exfoliation of bulk MoS₂ via sodium intercalation offers an attractive way to obtain solution-phase 2D MoS₂ nanosheets on a large scale. The motion of the MoS₂ particles results from the surface tension gradients generated by the naphthalene distributed in the MoS₂ particles. A combination of self-exfoliation and propulsion in an unmodified water environment hence leads to a new platform which holds great promise for new applications of TMDC materials in small scale motors.