Jul 12 2013
Molybdenum is a Block D, Period 5 element, and sulfur is a Block P, Period 3 element. This article discusses the properties and applications of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles. Molybdenum does not occur naturally as a free metal on Earth.
Generally, molybdenum disulfide has very good chemical stability and thermal stability. They can form a highly efficient dry lubricating film. Molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles possess a low friction coefficient, good catalytic activity, and excellent physical properties. They also have a large active surface area, high reactivity, and increased adsorption capacity compared to the bulk material.
Molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles appear in a black solid form.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
MoS2 |
| CAS No. |
1317-33-5 |
| Group |
Molybdenum 6
Sulfur 16 |
| Electronic configuration |
Molybdenum [Kr] 4d5 5s1
Sulfur [Ne] 3s2 3p4 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Molybdenum |
59.94 |
| Sulfur |
40.05 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
5.06 g/cm3 |
0.182 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
160.07 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
1185°C |
2165°F |
Manufacturing Process
Molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles can be synthesized at high temperature as mono- and polycrystalline materials or at low temperature using various electro-chemical routes. In the low temperature method, a chemical solution reaction route can be used between the organometallic precursor Mo(CO) 6 and sulfur in p-xylene at 140°C. The MoS2 nanoparticles obtained is of 10–30 nm diameter, and mostly amorphous with a rounded shape.
Applications
The key applications of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles are as follows:
- In lubricant applications
- In difficult to maintain equipment, such as space vehicles, satellites and military fields
- In composite applications
- As a conductive filler
- As a catalyst for coal liquefaction
- Can be used to prepare special materials, catalytic materials and gas storage.
Source: AZoNano