Novel mixed-solvothermal synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets with controllable morphologies

MoS2 nanosheets with controllable morphologies were successfully synthesized via a novel mixed-solvothermal approach based on interfusing organic solvent in the solution. The morphology of the MoS2 nanosheets was lamellar-like using the mixed water/ethanol/N-Methyl pyrrolidone solvents, whereas that prepared with the mixed water/ethano/ethylene glycol solvents changes to fullerene-like. Because of the structure-directing ability of organic molecules, the mixed solvents were proposed to be responsible for the formation of such different morphologies. The average size of MoS2 nanosheets was approximately 90nm, and the thickness was about 10-20nm. The results indicated that the crystalline phase and morphology were largely influenced by calcination and reaction system.