Combining MoS2 or MoSe2 nanoflakes with carbon by reacting Mo(CO)6 with S or Se under their autogenic pressure at elevated temperature

This paper describes a non-aqueous, solvent-free, environmentally friendly, one-pot facile reaction to synthesize inorganic materials inclusion with carbon (MoS2 or MoSe2/C) at low temperatures. Nanoflakes of MoS2 and MoSe2 inclusion with carbon are prepared by a thermal (750 °C) reaction between Mo(CO)6 and S or Se at their autogenic pressure in a closed reactor under inert atmosphere. Elemental sulfur or selenium powders are chosen in order to avoid the use of highly toxic H2S and H2Se gases. Without further processing of the as-prepared MoS2/C or MoSe2/C products, their compositional, morphological and structural characterization are carried out. The possibility of hydrogen storage in as-synthesized MoS2/C or MoSe2/C products is examined. A probable reaction mechanism for the formation of MoS2 or MoSe2 nanoflakes inclusion with C is discussed.