Ultrasound-assisted cracking process to prepare MoS 2 nanorods

Abstract

A simple ultrasound-assisted cracking process was applied to prepare high-crystallinity MoS 2 nanorods using MoS 2 micron particles as raw materials. The products were characterized by various techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. Systematic studies showed that acid treatment and ultrasound irradiation are both prerequisites for the preparation of ideal MoS 2 nanorods. TEM images indicate that these nanorods have uniform morphology, with an average diameter of ≈150 nm and length up to several μm. Based on the controlled experiments and observation on morphological changes, it is proposed that the activated layered MoS 2 first exfoliate into sheets and further crack into smaller nanorods due to the strong mechanical agitation, shear forces, and micro-jets created by the ultrasound irradiation.