The gas-phase reaction between MoO3-x and H2S in a reducing atmosphere
at elevated temperatures (800 degrees to 950 degrees C) has been used
to synthesize targe quantities of an almost pure nested inorganic ful
lerene (IF) phase of MoS2. A uniform IF phase with a relatively narrow
size distribution was obtained. The synthesis of Ifs appears to requi
re, in addition to careful control over the growth conditions, a speci
fic turbulent flow regime. The x-ray spectra of the different samples
show that, as the average size of the IF decreases, the van der Waals
gap along the c axis increases, largely because of the strain involved
in folding of the lamella. Large quantities of quite uniform nanotube
s were obtained under modified preparation conditions.