Topochemical synthesis of two-dimensional molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) via Na2CO3-Assited carbothermal reduction of 2H-MoS2

Due to its promising applications on catalysis, electronics and electrochemical energy storage, 2D Mo2C has emerged as an important member in the 2D family. Herein, an efficient and high -yield method was proposed for the preparation of ultra-thin 2D Mo2C via Na2CO3-assited carbothermal reduction of 2H-MoS2. It was found that 2H-MoS2 can be completely carbonized to Mo2C at a MoS2:Na2CO3:C molar ratio of 2:4.2:11 at 850 degrees C for 2 h. Meanwhile, the prepared Mo2C were intercalated by the co-product Na2S. After leaching treatment with deionized water, the intercalated Na2S was removed and high crystalline 2D Mo2C were successfully prepared. Furthermore, the addition of Na2CO3 as a desulfurizer can greatly promote the carburization and exfoliation rates of 2H-MoS2. As can be seen from the FE-SEM images, the prepared Mo2C has a pretty regular layered structure with the layer thickness of 5-15 nm.