The formation of nanotubes and nanocoils of molybdenum disulphide

Abstract This work reports the successful realization of MoS2 nanotubes by a novel intercalation chemistry and hydrothermal treatment. An inorganic–organic precursor of hexadecylamine (HDA) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) were used in synthesizing the nanocomposite comprising laminar MoS2 with HDA intercalated in the interlaminar spacing. The formation of MoS2 nanotubes occurred during hydrothermal treatment (HT) by a self-organized rolling mechanism. The nanotubes were observed to have dimensions 2–12 μ m in length and inner diameters typically in the range of 25–100 nm. We also report the formation of amorphous nanocoils of MoS2 obtained during similar procedures.