Preparation of Single‐Crystal MoS2 Nanotubes and 1D Van der Waals Heterostructures

Abstract

AbstractSingle‐crystal MoS2 nanotubes possess outstanding electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, previous attempts to synthesize MoS2 nanotubes are hindered by poor crystallinity and the high strain energy required to roll a sheet with three atomic layers into a tubular structure. Here, the confined template growth of well‐crystallized MoS2 nanotubes encapsulated within carbon nanotubes, forming 1D van der Waals heterostructures, is reported. The growth of MoS2 nanotubes is catalyzed by iron carbide. CNTs serve as nanoreactors and structurally confined templates, ensuring the growth of fine MoS2 nanotubes. Water vapor is employed to manipulate the structure and morphology of resultant MoS2. Free‐standing MoS2 nanotubes are obtained by removing outer CNTs with gentle plasma etching. This method demonstrate the power of coupling the catalytic effect and the space confinement in the growth of high‐quality MoS2 nanotubes, which may become a common strategy for the preparation of general 1D nanostructures of various transition metal dichalcogenides and other materials.