MoS2 nanotube exfoliation as new synthesis pathway to molybdenum blue

Graphical abstract: . Display Omitted Highlights: ► New synthesis approach to obtaining molybdenum blue via exfoliated MoS2 nanotubes. ► Material is prone to self assembly and is stable in high vacuum. ► Molecules are as small as 2 nm and their clusters are up to tens of nanometers. ► Change in absorption and oxidation states from the precursor MoS2. -- Abstract: Molybdenum blue-type materials are usually obtained by partially reducing MoVI+ in acidic solutions, while in the presented method it is formed in ethanol solution of exfoliated MoS2 nanotubes, where the MoS2 flakes are the preferential location for their growth. Material was investigated by means of scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, showing the structure and self assembly, while also confirming that it is stable in high vacuum with molecules as small as 1.6 nm and the agglomerates of few tens of nanometres. The ultraviolet–visible and photoelectron spectrometry show the change in absorption properties and oxidation states from MoS2 structure to molybdenum blue, while the presence of sulphur suggests that this is a new type of molybdenum blue material.