The sequential continuous-flow hydrothermal synthesis of molybdenum disulphide

Abstract

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) has been widely used as a catalyst and high temperature lubricant. It has been heavily researched recently as a graphene analogue and member of the so-called inorganic fullerenes. Here we report the first continuous flow hydrothermal synthesis of MoS₂. With fast reaction times and flexibility the continuous flow hydrothermal system allowed MoS₂ to be produced in a stepwise fashion, offering an insight into the mechanism involved. It has been found that the synthesis of MoS₂ proceeded via the sulphidation of molybdate anions to thiomolybdate species, which are transformed to amorphous MoS₃ by acidification in flow, before further hydrothermal treatment decomposes this amorphous precursor to tangled MoS₂ nanosheets.