Tailored MoS₂nanorods: a simple microwave assisted synthesis

Abstract

We report here the synthesis of MoS 2 nanostructures by a simple liquid phase exfoliation of MoS 2 powder in organic solvents followed by microwave treatment. The probe sonication and the microwave treatment play an important role in rolling and curling of the MoS 2 nanosheets to give rise to MoS 2 spheres and rod/tube like-structures with diameter approximately 150–200 nm. The MoS 2 nanorods formed in this fashion are hollow inside with a wall thickness of 15–20 nm and the length of the nanorods is found in the order of several micrometers. Synthesis of such tailored MoS 2 nanorods by liquid phase exfoliation is not yet reported. Our observations suggest the 2H phase of bulk MoS 2 remains preserved in the nanostructures with high crystalline quality.