The MoS2 nanotube hybrids

The MoS2 nanotube hybrids represent a family of nanomaterials, where nanotubes serve as nanoreactors and in some cases also as nanocontainers of MoS2 fullerenelike particles, which have in situ grown in a confined geometry of nanotubes. A simple temperature control of morphology, size, and inner structure of nanohybrids leads to a selective morphology such as coaxial nanotubes, mama-tubes with encapsulated nano-onions, the growth of MoS2 nanobuds or it facilitates a release of MoS2 nano-onions, which then form weakly bonded self-assemblies. Growth mechanism is discussed based on atomic probe electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3240892]