In Situ Formation of a MoS sub(2)-Based Inorganic-Organic Nanocomposite by Directed Thermal Decomposition

Nanocomposites based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS sub(2)) and different carbon modifications are intensively investigated in several areas of applications due to their intriguing optical and electrical properties. Addition of a third element may enhance the functionality and application areas of such nanocomposites. Herein, we present a facile synthetic approach based on directed thermal decomposition of (Ph sub(4)P) sub(2)MoS sub( 4) generating MoS sub(2) nanocomposites containing carbon and phosphorous. Decomposition at 250 degree C yields a composite material with significantly enlarged MoS sub(2) interlayer distances caused by in situ formation of Ph sub(3)PS bonded to the MoS sub(2) slabs through Mo--S bonds and (Ph sub(4)P) sub(2)S molecules in the van der Waals gap, as was evidenced by super(31)P solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Visible-light-driven hydrogen generation demonstrates a high catalytic performance of the materials. Hydrogen evolution: An inorganic-organic nanocomposite based on MoS sub(2) with significantly enlarged interlayer distances caused by in situ formation of Ph sub(3)PS bonded to the MoS sub(2) slabs through Mo--S bonds and (Ph sub(4)P) sub(2)S molecules in the van der Waals gap was prepared by thermal decomposition of (Ph sub(4)P) sub(2)MoS sub( 4) (see scheme).