Transition metal dichalcogenides: Synthesis and use in the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors

Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) as inorganic nanomaterials with exceptional properties and structures, suitable also for catalytic applications. The admirable properties of TMDs include the impressive capability of charge transfer, the large surface to volume ratio (S/V), the energy band gap controllable by the number of layers, the strong interaction with light and the mechanical robustness. They are also cost-effective and highly accessible. The unique features and morphology make TMDs excellent candidates for the fabrication of electrochemical sensing devices. This review article was designed to scrutinize the existing applications of nanostructures TMDs to fabricate electrochemical (bio) sensors. The first part focuses on the production techniques and structural properties of TMD nanostructures. The second part examines the progress made for different TMD bio (sensing) schemes and applications in safety of foodstuff, monitoring of environmental contaminations, analysis of pharmacological preparations and clinical determinations. The last part discusses reported challenges and suggestions on promising opportunities.