Optimization of the Process Parameters in the Preparation of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanopowder Using the Taguchi Method

In the last decades, transition metal dichalcogenides MX2 (M = Mo, W, Nb and Ta, X = S, Se), which constitute a layered structure in analogy to graphite, have attracted great attention due to their striking properties and promising applications [1, 2]. In this study, Molybdenum disulfide nanopowders (MoS2) have been successfully prepared via solvothermal method using different precursors of molybdenum and sulfur, various reducing agents maintained at different temperatures. Synthesizing process parameters of MoS2 powder are optimized for producing of smaller powders (nano size) based on L9 Taguchi orthogonal design. The prepared MoS2 powders were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results showed that Mo precursor and reaction temperature have the most significant influence on particle size of MoS2 powder. Finally, optimum conditions were achieved as, molybdic oxide (MoO3) as Mo precursor, thioacetamide (C2H5NS) as a sulfur source, citric acid (C6H8O7) as reducing agent, and reaction temperature of 100 °C.