Solvated-Electron-Driven Intercalation Enables Electron-Rich K_xNbS₂ Construction and Exfoliation.

Authors

Lin Gao, Mian Li, Changjiang Hu, Jun Ma, Xiaoping Ouyang, Zhifang Chai, Qing Huang

Published in

Small methods. Oct 26, 2026. Epub Oct 26, 2026.

Abstract

While creating electron-rich states can tune material properties, achieving this in van der Waals (vdW) materials lacking cationic frameworks remains challenging. Here, we report a molten-salt solvated-electron strategy that injects electrons into the vdW gaps of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Using a Ga-KCl system, we construct an electron-rich intermediate K_xNbS₂ (x≤0.5), wherein coupled K⁺ intercalation provides charge compensation and drives superlattice formation. Spectroscopic characterization confirm electron injection and partial reduction of the host lattice. This state enables solvent-dependent exfoliation, protic solvents drive a chemical pathway, whereas aprotic solvents facilitate physical delamination via electrostatic repulsion. Demonstrating applicability across TMDCs (NbS₂, TaS₂, NbSe₂ and WS₂), alkali salts, and electron donors, this strategy provides a route to engineer the electronic structures and interlayer interactions of two-dimensional (2D) materials for catalysis and quantum applications.

PMID:
42935150
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Oct 2026.

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