Exploring the Influence of Temperature and Time on the Formation and Properties of 3D Flower-Like MoS<sub>2</sub> Nanostructures Synthesized via Hydrothermal Method
Ritu Kumari, Rakesh Kumar
Abstract
In this study, a simple hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize 3D flower-like MoS 2 nanostructures. The influence of different synthesis temperatures on the structural, electronic, optical and morphological properties of the MoS 2 nanostructures was thoroughly investigated, and the optimal temperature was identified as 220 °C. Additionally, we conducted further optimization to determine the most suitable reaction time, which was found to be 24 h. The characterization of the synthesized MoS 2 nanostructures, employing various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky analysis, UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, unveiled well-defined crystallinity, reduced thickness and uniform morphology, under the optimized conditions. Notably, as the temperature increased from 180 °C to 220 °C, the band gap of MoS 2 nanostructures exhibited a notable increase from 1.72 to 2.35 eV. The Mott-Schottky analysis further confirmed our findings, revealing lower values of flat band potential and carrier concentration for the optimized temperature (220 °C), indicative of higher crystallinity with fewer defects. These comprehensive findings not only underscore the significant impact of temperature and time on the properties of MoS 2 nanostructures but also hold promising implications for diverse applications, including sensing, energy storage, as well as photocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reactions and organic pollutant degradation.