In situ probing of electron transfer at the dynamic MoS₂/graphene–water interface for modulating boundary slip

The boundary slip condition is pivotal for nanoscale fluid motion. Recent research has primarily focused on simulating the interaction mechanism between the electronic structure of two-dimensional materials and slip of water at the nanoscale, raising the possibility for ultralow friction flow of water at the nanoscale. However, experimentally elucidating electronic interactions at the dynamic solid–liquid interface to control boundary slip poses a significant challenge. In this study, the crucial role of electron structures at the dynamic solid–liquid interface in regulating slip length was revealed. Notably, the slip length of water on the molybdenum disulfide/graphene (MoS₂/G) heterostructure (100.9 ± 3.6 nm) significantly exceeded that of either graphene (27.7 ± 2.2 nm) or MoS₂ (5.7 ± 3.1 nm) alone. It was also analyzed how electron transfer significantly affected interface interactions. Excess electrons played a crucial role in determining the type and proportion of excitons at both MoS₂–water and MoS₂/G–water interfaces. Additionally, by applying voltage, distinct photoluminescence (PL) responses at static and dynamic interfaces were discovered, achieving a 5-fold modulation in PL intensity and a 2-fold modulation in the trion to exciton intensity ratio. More electrons transfer from the top graphene to the bottom MoS₂ at the MoS₂/G–water interface, reducing surface charge density. Thus, the reduction of electrostatic interactions between the solid and water leads to an increased slip length of water on the MoS₂/G heterostructure. The process aids in comprehending the origin of frictional resistance at the subatomic scale. This work establishes a foundation for actively controlling and designing of fluid transport at the nanoscale.