Structural and mechanical properties of MoS2–Ix nanotubes and Mo6SxIy nanowires

Using a scanning probe microscope, we investigate the structure, electronic and mechanical properties of MoS2–Ix nanotubes and Mo6SxIy nanowires. The electronic properties are interestingly very sensitive to the stoichiometry of the nanowires, which can be controlled by adjusting the synthesis conditions. In addition to that, we find also remarkable mechanical properties where molecules can be cut and recombined or deformed without any loss of structural integrity. We demonstrate this by deforming Mo6SxIy nanowires to highly strained configurations without causing irreversible changes to their structures. The rupturing and/or welding process of these nanowires, using AFM manipulation, shows that the molecules stretch to more than 30% of its relaxed configuration before plastic deformation occurs.