A contemplating review on different synthesis methods of 2D-Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets

Abstract

The current challenges arising from the rapid development in science and technology attracted researchers to focus on the development of new advanced materials like two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, which offer exceptional features that can be used to resolve different industrial problems, which include enhancing energy storage and conversion systems, improving electronic and optoelectronic devices, advancing catalysis and sensing applications, enabling flexible and transparent electronics, advancing healthcare technologies, and addressing environmental concerns such as pollution monitoring and remediation. There are many different layered-structure materials on earth. To get the desired form of these materials, various scientific approaches are applied in laboratories and processing industries. As a result, different methods have been developed for the synthesis of 2D materials. Among various 2D materials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the emerging and promising transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials that has remarkable electrical, magnetic, optical, and mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, MoS2 nanosheets, when incorporated in different materials, produce promising results, such as better catalytic activities, improved hydrogen production, a super-capacitive feature, and enhanced battery performances, etc. Therefore, in this review, we have focused on significant and practical techniques for synthesizing 2D-MoS2 nanosheets developed by different researchers over the years. We comprehensively discuss their applications, characteristics, as well as provide a brief introduction to the physical and chemical properties of 2D MoS2 nanosheets. Furthermore, we address the current challenges associated with the synthesis of these nanosheets. These discussions highlights that the choice of synthesis method mainly relies on factors such as material type, resources, complexity, environmental impact, scalability, cost, and desired properties of 2D MoS2 nanosheets. Additionally, this literature review also outlines future research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges and advancing synthesis processes to enable the economically feasible scaled-up production of 2D MoS2 nanosheets.