Synthesis of MoS2-based nanostructures and their applications in rechargeable ion batteries, catalysts and gas sensors: a review

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a two-dimensional (2D) layered material with a graphene-like structure that has attracted attention because of its large specific surface area and abundant active sites. In addition, the compounding of MoS₂ with other materials can enhance the performance in applications such as batteries, catalysts, and optoelectronic devices, etc. MoS₂ is prepared by various methods, among which chemical deposition and hydrothermal methods are widely used. In this review, we focus on summarizing the applications of MoS₂ and MoS₂ composite nanomaterials in rechargeable ion batteries, catalysts for water splitting and gas sensors, and briefly outline the preparation methods.

Fig. 1. (a) Statistics of MoS₂ core publications in batteries, catalysts, and gas sensors. (b) Percentage of core publications of MoS₂ in different applications in the last decade (up to May 2022).

Fig. 2. (a) MoS₂ NTs are obtained after etching MoO_x/MoS₂ NBs with concentrated hydrochloric acid. (b) MoS₂ NTs obtained from the fourth etching. (c) Schematic illustration of the preparation process of MoS₂/C/C fiber. (d) SEM images of MoS₂/C/C fiber. The inset is a magnified TEM image of the sample. (e) Schematic diagram of the synthesis of TiO₂/C/MoS₂ microsphere. (f) SEM images of TiO₂/C/MoS₂ microsphere. (g) Capacity retention of the MoS₂, MoS₂/C, and MoS₂/C/C fiber electrodes at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹ for the subsequent 150 cycles. (h) Comparative cycling performance of MoS₂, TiO₂/C and the TiO₂/C/MoS₂ microsphere at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹.

Fig. 3. (a) Schematic illustration of the synthesis process of MoS₂/C MTs. (b) Schematic diagram of the fabrication process of MoS₂–C hollow rhomboids. (c) FESEM images of OMSCF calcined in air at 400 °C (OMSCF-400). (d) Schematic illustration of the synthesis of MoS_2−xSe_x/G. (e) Capacity of all intercalated MoS₂ at 50 mA g⁻¹ arranged according to the interlayer distance, respectively. (f) Capacity of all intercalated MoS₂ 50 mA g⁻¹ arranged according to conductivity, respectively. (g) Schematic of intercalation of molecules into MoS₂.

Fig. 4. (a) Schematic illustration of MoS₂ microspheres prepared by hydrothermal method. (b) The first discharge–charge curves at different current densities. (c) Schematic illustration of the preparation process of MoS₂/CNFs. (d) The preparation process of MNC. (e) The synthesis of N-doped 1T MoS₂, pure 1T MoS₂, and 2H MoS₂.

Fig. 5. The diagrammatic sketch for the preparation of (a) Mo₂N–MoS₂ MCNFs, (b) MoS₂@TiO₂ composites, (c) TiO₂/MoS₂/CdS tandem heterojunction, (d) 2D–2D MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ composites and (e) g-C₃N₄/Co₃O₄/MoS₂ heterojunction.

Fig. 6. (a) Preparation process of MoS₂/PbS composites. (b) Transient response characteristic of MoS₂/PbS gas sensor at 100 ppm NO₂.

Fig. 7. (a) Response and response time of MoS₂@SnO₂ sensor to 0.01–100 ppm NO₂. (b) Real-time sensing response curves of the 530 nm-light-assisted Au–MoS₂ sensor at 1–50 ppm NO₂. (c) Schematic diagram of the synthesis of MoS₂@SnO₂.

Fig. 8. (a) Sensitivity of 2-layer and 5-layer MoS₂ as a function of NH₃ concentration. (b) Schematic diagram of the fabrication of MoS₂ sensors and MoS₂/SnO₂ sensors. (c) Response of MoS₂/SnO₂ sensors to different concentrations of SO₂ gas at different operating temperatures.

Fig. 9. (a) Schematic diagram of the synthesis of MoS₂/TiO₂ composite. (b) Repeatability testing of 200 ppm methanol for six consecutive cycles at an operating temperature of 240 °C. (c) Repeatability testing of 300 ppm methanol for six consecutive cycles at an operating temperature of 300 °C.