Template synthesis and characterization of molybdenum disulfide nanotubules

Abstract Molybdenum disulfide nanotubules were prepared by thermal decomposition of ammonium thiomolybdate ((NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 ) precursors on anodized aluminum oxide template. Large quantities of hollow MoS 2 nanotubules with the bamboo-like structure were obtained. The morphology and structures of MoS 2 tubules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron diffraction and optical absorption spectroscopy. MoS 2 nanotubules completely reflected the three-dimensional structure of nanopores in template. The properties of Mo–S chemical bonds in lattice structure and the wetting state between porous surface and precursor have a great effect on the formation of sections in nanotubules, the ridges in the nanopores also play a very special role of this formation.