Preparation of porous MoS2 via a sol–gel route using (NH4)2Mo3S13 as precursor

High-surface-area porous MoS2 was successfully synthesized through a sol–gel route using (NH4)2Mo3S13 as precursor. A novel molybdenum polysulfide gel “Mo3S12” was firstly prepared through the reaction of (NH4)2Mo3S13 formamide solution with hydrochloric acid solution. Subsequently, the porous MoS2 was obtained from the “Mo3S12” gel by ethanol supercritical drying technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), nitrogen physisorption measurement (BET) were used to characterize the porous MoS2 samples. The results indicated this porous MoS2 has a broad range of pore sizes and a BET surface area of 315 m2/g and a pore volume of 1.9 cm3/g.

► Sol–gel synthesis of porous MoS2 by ethanol supercritical drying technique. ► Sulfide precursor (NH4)2Mo3S13 as raw material. ► Prepare molybdenum polysulfide gel by the reaction of hydrochloric acid solution with (NH4)2Mo3S13 formamide solution. ► Porous MoS2 sample with a BET surface area of 315 m2/g and a pore volume of 1.9 cm3/g.