The formation of nanotubes and nanocoils of molybdenum disulphide

This work reports the successful realization of MoS 2 nanotubes by a novel intercalation chemistry and hydrothermal treatment. An inorganic–organic precursor of hexadecylamine (HDA) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2) were used in synthesizing the nanocomposite comprising laminar MoS 2 with HDA intercalated in the interlaminar spacing. The formation of MoS 2 nanotubes occurred during hydrothermal treatment (HT) by a self-organized rolling mechanism. The nanotubes were observed to have dimensions 2–12 μ m in length and inner diameters typically in the range of 25–100 nm. We also report the formation of amorphous nanocoils of MoS 2 obtained during similar procedures.