Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum disulfide/multi-walled carbon nanotube coaxial nanotubes

Coaxial nanotubes of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully synthesized by a gas-solid reaction. The precursor of ammonium thiomolybdate ((NH4)(2)MoS4) coated with modified MWCNTs was sintered in H-2 atmosphere at 850 degrees C for 3.5 h. The morphology and structure of the coaxial nanotubes are investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra. The results show that the MWCNTs disperse homogeneously and don't produce significant damage after modification. The continuity and thickness of the MoS2 coating layer can be controlled by the changing parameters of the solution. The relationship among the morphology, structure and the interaction of MoS2 with MWCNTs were discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.