Emerging Parallel Dual 2D Composites: Natural Clay Mineral Hybridizing MoS2 and Interfacial Structure

Abstract

MoS 2/montmorillonite (MoS 2/MMT) composite nanosheets have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and the catalytic activities of composites are evaluated by reduction reaction of methyl orange in aqueous phase. A preparation strategy demonstrates that MoS 2 can be in situ formed on the surface of MMT from Na 2 MoO 4· and H 2 NCSNH 2. The microstructures and morphologies characterization indicates that few‐layered MoS 2 nanosheets are uniformly grown on the surface of montmorillonite, and the hydrogen bonds are formed at the interfaces. The catalytic activity of MoS 2/MMT is enhanced by support of montmorillonite, which can be attribu­ted to the large surface area, more reactive sites, dispersibility of MoS 2/MMT, and the synergistic adsorption property of montmorillonite. Based on density functional theory calculations, the preferred adsorption configurations of MoS 2 cluster on MMT are studied. The supporting effect of MMT on MoS 2 nanoparticles will lead to the anchoring of these reactive MoS 2 nanoparticles on clay surface and enhance the absorption ability of MoS 2 to the organics and meanwhile improving the catalytic properties of the MoS 2/MMT composite. The MoS 2/MMT composite nanosheets show prospective application to treat effectively wastewater of dyes.