Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), as a classical layered transition-metal dichalcogenide, have attracted much attention in recent years because of their wide utilization in catalytic hydrogenation, lubrication and photoelectricity fields. Nano- or micro-meter scaled materials exhibit many excellent capabilities in virtue of their special microstructures. Therefore, it is particularly significant to give impetus to the research of inorganic layered compounds through the synthesis experience of nano-/micro-meter sized MoS₂ materials with specific morphologies and structures. Based on the recently numerous reports about nano- or micro-meter scaled MoS₂ and their applications in the relevant fields, this review focuses on the latest progress in chemical synthetic methods of MoS₂ micro- or nano-particles and MoS₂-based composites with different morphology and property, including thermal decomposition, sulfidation of molybdenum oxides, hydrothermal/solvothermal and solution routes, as well as other novel combined physical-chemical techniques. The effects of various reaction conditions on the morphology and performance of MoS₂ products have been discussed, and the characteristics of various methods have also been commented. In addition, the applications of MoS₂ used as unsupported or supported catalysts in hydrodesulphurization of fossil fuel have been introduced, and the developing tendency and future prospect of MoS₂ materials are projected. Contents
1 Introduction
2 Properties and structure of MoS₂
3 Preparation of MoS₂
3.1 Thermal decomposition
3.2 Sulfidation of molybdenum oxides
3.3 Hydrothermal/solvothermal process
3.4 Liquid precipitation
3.5 Other chemical synthesis methods
4 Application of MoS₂ in hydrodesulphurization
4.1 Supported MoS₂ catalysts
4.2 Unsupported MoS₂ catalysts
5 Summary and perspective