Catalytic chemical vapor deposition and structural analysis of MoS2 nanotubes

MoS2 nanotubes were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using six-horned octahedral FeO nanoparticles and gasified MoO3 and sulfur. The morphology and structure of the nanotubes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing that the nanotubes had a hollow structure. The hexagonal lattice of MoS2 was aligned parallel to the direction of the nanotubes. The catalytic activities of the Fe films and nanoparticles of Fe2O3, NiO, and Cu2O for the growth of MoS2 nanotubes were investigated. FeO was found to be the most effective catalyst tested.