Green approach to synthesize various MoS2 nanoparticles via hydrothermal process

The synthesis of various MoS2 nanoparticles has been accomplished by a simple and green one-pot hydrothermal reaction route using MoS2 powder in the alkaline solution. Nanoparticles of different morphologies were obtained by varying the mole ratio of MoS2 to NaOH in the hydrothermal reaction at 220 degrees C for 8 h. We obtained exclusive nanosheets (NSs) when the mole ratio of MoS2 to NaOH was below 1:5 and a hybrid of NSs and quantum dots (QDs) if the mole ratio of NaOH to MoS2 was 1:10 or higher. The NSs had 2-4 layers and retained their crystallinity, whereas the QDs were amorphous. Detailed characterizations have been performed to understand the chemical nature of the materials. These nanomaterials manifest excellent stability and retain their characteristic morphology and photoluminescence even after several months of preparation.