Simple solution route to uniform MoS2 particles with randomly stacked layers

MoS{sub 2} particles of uniform size (ca. 70 nm) consisting of random and loosely stacked layers have been synthesized from hydrazine solution with (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}Mo{sub 3}S{sub 13} as the precursor at 180 deg. C for 16 h under hydrothermal conditions. The particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). The influences of reaction conditions are discussed while a mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of this peculiar morphology.