New Mo6S3−xSexI6 (x = 0.05) nanowires

Abstract We report on the synthesis and characterization of new air-stable nanowire material with a chemical formula Mo 6 S 3−x Se x I 6 ( x = 0.05). The material can be synthesized in a single step reaction from the elements in bulk quantities. There are almost no impurities in the as-grown material, such as catalysts and the bundles can be dispersed using an ultrasonic bath in some polar solvents like water or isopropyl alcohol. The material has a fur-like appearance, with individual needles having a diameter of about 100 nm to 1000 nm while majority of them have diameter around 400 nm and a wide range of lengths. The material has similar structure as Mo 6 S 3 I 6 and is composed of nanowires weakly bound in bundles. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to characterize the new nanowires.