Synthesis, fundamental properties and applications of nanocrystals, sheets, nanotubes and cylinders based on layered transition metal chalcogenides

Folded and disordered MoS2 and other transition metal chalcogenides such as WS, and ReS2 have two-dimensional layered structures. A consequence of thi s two-dimensional macromolecular nature is the existence of highly folded a nd disordered structures. These structures have been recognized for a long time as "rag" and "tubular" structures and are useful as catalytic material s. More recently, formation of: nanotubes and nested nanotubes of WS2 and M oS2 have been reported and described as large fullerene-like structures. Th e ability of MoS2 and related compounds to form these structures remains un clear and is the subject of intense study. The study of these materials has been hindered by the inability to synthesize them in large quantities. Thi s situation is similar to early days of research in fullerenes that progres sed slowly until improved synthetic methods led to larger quantities being available. The purpose of this report is to review the synthesis of "rag" a nd "tubular" MoS2 and related materials and to discuss recent results.