Preparation of nanostructured and nanosheets of MoS2 oxide using oxidation method

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a two-dimensional transition metal has a 2D layered structure and has recently attracted attention due to its novel catalytic properties. In this study, MoS₂ has been successfully intercalated using chemical and physical intercalation techniques, while enhancing its surface properties. The final intercalated MoS₂ is of many interests because of its low-dimensional and potential properties in in-situ catalysis. In this research, we report different methods to intercalate the layers of MoS₂ successfully using acid-treatment, ultrasonication, oxidation and thermal shocking. The other goal of this study is to form SO bonds mainly because of expected enhanced in-situ catalytic operations. The intercalated MoS₂ is further characterized using analyses such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, Contact Angle, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET.

Stability and pH-independence of nano-zero-valent iron intercalated montmorillonite and its application on Cr(VI) removal

Composite of nano-zero-valent iron and montmorillonite (NZVI/MMT) was prepared by inserting NZVI into the interlayer of montmorillonite. The unique structure montmorillonite with isolated exchangeable Fe(III) cations residing near the sites of structural negative charges inhibited the agglomeration of ZVI and result in the formation of ZVI particles in the montmorillonite interlayer regions. NZVI/MMT was demonstrated to possess large specific surface area and outstanding reducibility that encourage rapid and stable reaction with Cr (VI). Besides, the intercalation also makes NZVI well dispersed and more stable in the interlayer, thereby improving the reaction capacity by 16 times. The effects of pH value, initial concentration of Cr (VI) and reaction time on Cr (VI) removal have also been investigated in detail. According to PXRD and XPS characterization, NZVI/Cr (VI) redox reaction occurred in the interlayer of MMT. The study of NZVI/MMT is instrumental to the development of remediation technologies for persistent environmental contaminants.