Preparation and characterisation of ball-like MoS 2 nanoparticles

Molybdenum sulphide (MoS_x) particles were prepared from Na₂MoO₄ and CH₃CSNH₂ by the quick homogenous precipitation method within 5 min in alcohol–water solution at 82°C and normal pressure. The prepared MoS_x particles were studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results showed that the as prepared product was ball-like amorphous MoS_x (x=3·20) nanoparticles. The resultant amorphous ball-like MoS_x nanoparticles were then calcined under hydrogen flow at a selected temperature for 50 min. The results of XRD, TEM and HRTEM confirmed that the ball-like MoS₂ nanoparticles with fullerene structure were prepared by calcining the amorphous MoS_x nanoparticles at 780°C. The resultant ball-like nano-MoS₂ particles were transformed into polyhedron like nano-MoS₂ particles as the calcining temperature was increased to 960°C.