Synthesis and functionalization of chalcogenide nanotubes

New synthetic approaches to MS₂ (M-=-Sn, Nb, Mo, W) chalcogenide nanostructures are highlighted. Most chalcogenide particles can be functionalized directly with inorganic nanoparticles such as Au, ZnO or MnO. Depending on the Pearson hardness of the metal involved, the functionalization may be reversible or irreversible. A covalent functionalization strategy is based on a steric shielding of the coordination sphere of transition metal atoms in such a way that only coordination sites are available for bonding to the chalcogenide surface. This allows the immobilization of fluorophors, redox active groups or proteins onto chalcogenide nanoparticle.