Synthesis and characterization of 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroquinoline intercalated into MoS₂ in search of cleaner fuels

Two different morphologies of MoS₂ (short and long sheets) were utilized to elucidate the intercalation mechanism of 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroquinoline (THQ). MoS₂ (short sheets) and molybdenite (MB) (long sheets) were exfoliated and restacked in the presence of THQ. The x-ray diffraction patterns of both samples show a new reflection in the 001 plane, which implies a lowering of symmetry and corresponds to an expansion of the layers by approximately 12.3 Å. In the MoS₂-THQ sample, 80% of the MoS₂ was intercalated and 20% remained stacked. In the MB-THQ sample, 30% of MB was intercalated while 70% remained stacked. X-ray absorption structure (XAS) studies showed changes in atomic geometry and coordination. The x-ray absorption near-edge spectra showed shifts in the geometry of the intercalated MoS₂ and MB sample compared to the unintercalated samples. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure studies showed lower coordination numbers compared to the untreated samples. Infrared spectroscopy characterization of these same samples suggests intercalation and partial dehydrogenation of the THQ.