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 (Sn 4+ and Cu 2+ ) 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 MoS 2, MoSe 2, NbSe 2, and WS 2 and crystalline nanoribbons of Bi 2 Se 3, In 2 Se 3, and GeS. This chemistry achieves a general route to remove zero-valent tin and copper from 2D layered chalcogenides.