As a member of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal chalcogenide compounds (TMDs), molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) has become one of the most widely studied semiconductors because of its inherent unique physical and chemical properties as well as its abundance in nature. Due to special lamellar structure and adjustable band gap, 2D MoS₂ have received considerable attention in the fields of catalysis, optoelectronic devices, sensing and energy storage and conversion. Solution-based techniques for preparation of 2D MoS₂ nanosheet,such as liquid phase exfoliation methods and wet chemical synthesis methods,are promising for large-scale and high-yield preparation. More importantly, 2D MoS₂ nanosheets obtained by solution-based method can also be used as templates or carriers to fabricate functional composites to further enhance their performance in related applications. In this review, the recent progress of solution-processed MoS₂ nanosheets is presented, with the emphasis on their versatile synthetic strategies, hybridization and their application in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this research area are proposed.
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Solution-based techniques for preparation of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets
2.1 Liquid phase exfoliation method
2.2 Wet chemical synthesis methods
3 2D MoS₂ nanosheet-based composites
3.1 Composites of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets and carbon materials
3.2 Composites of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets and metals or metal oxides
3.3 Composites of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets and organic or bio-materials
3.4 Hybrids of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets and other functional materials
4 Applications of 2D MoS₂ nanosheet-based composites
4.1 Photocatalysis
4.2 Electrocatalysis
5 Conclusion