Ultrasound-assisted cracking process to prepare MoS2 nanorods

A simple ultrasound-assisted cracking process was applied to prepare high-crystallinity MoS2 nanorods using MoS2 micron particles as raw materials. The products were characterized by various techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. Systematic studies showed that acid treatment and ultrasound irradiation are both prerequisites for the preparation of ideal MoS2 nanorods. TEM images indicate that these nanorods have uniform morphology, with an average diameter of ≈150 nm and length up to several μm. Based on the controlled experiments and observation on morphological changes, it is proposed that the activated layered MoS2 first exfoliate into sheets and further crack into smaller nanorods due to the strong mechanical agitation, shear forces, and micro-jets created by the ultrasound irradiation.