In Situ Formation of a MoS 2 ‐Based Inorganic–Organic Nanocomposite by Directed Thermal Decomposition

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2015-06, Vol.21 (24), p.8918-8925
• Main Authors: Djamil, John, Segler, Stefan A. W., Bensch, Wolfgang, Schürmann, Ulrich, Deng, Mao, Kienle, Lorenz, Hansen, Sven, Beweries, Torsten, von Wüllen, Leo, Rosenfeldt, Sabine, Förster, Stephan, Reinsch, Helge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201406541

Nanocomposites based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) and different carbon modifications are intensively investigated in several areas of applications due to their intriguing optical and electrical properties. Addition of a third element may enhance the functionality and application areas of such nanocomposites. Herein, we present a facile synthetic approach based on directed thermal decomposition of (Ph 4 P) 2 MoS 4 generating MoS 2 nanocomposites containing carbon and phosphorous. Decomposition at 250 °C yields a composite material with significantly enlarged MoS 2 interlayer distances caused by in situ formation of Ph 3 PS bonded to the MoS 2 slabs through MoS bonds and (Ph 4 P) 2 S molecules in the van der Waals gap, as was evidenced by 31 P solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Visible‐light‐driven hydrogen generation demonstrates a high catalytic performance of the materials.