Critical review: hydrothermal synthesis of 1T-MoS2 – an important route to a promising material. Issue 15 (6th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strachan, Jyah; Masters, Anthony F.; Maschmeyer, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 15(2021)
• Page Start: 9451
• Page End: 9461
• Publication Date: 2021-04-06
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ta01230d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : The unique anisotropy, polytypism, and abundance of molybdenum disulfide make it a singularly versatile material for a range of catalytic, electrochemical, and tribological applications. Abstract : The unique anisotropy, polytypism, and abundance of molybdenum disulfide make it a singularly versatile material for a range of catalytic, electrochemical, and tribological applications. By employing a hydrothermal synthesis, a high surface area, optionally-supported, gas-repellent metallic MoS2 (1T-MoS2 ) has been reported to be produced from benign reagents at scale. This hydrothermally produced material has been shown to exhibit outstanding performance as a capacitor, and as an electrocatalyst ( e.g. for the hydrogen evolution reaction). However, synthetic ambiguity and sample mischaracterisations are extremely common within the literature of reports of hydrothermally produced 1T-MoS2, and these occur across a range of analysis techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These oversights have led to significant inconsistencies in the prevalent understanding of 1T-MoS2 . In most cases in the literature it is unclear whether MoS2 or an intercalated (M n + )(1/ n ) Mo III S2 − variant is produced. Given the high potential of this material for many cutting-edge applications, it is important to clarify the literature to help facilitate rapid progress. In this context the review presents a way forward, by setting out to provide clear and unambiguous synthetic and analytical strategies.