Synthesis and cation-exchange behavior of expanded MoS2 nanosheets for anticorrosion applications

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a 2D layered structure, because of its unique properties has widely attracted many researchers. In this study, by employing physical and chemical methods, not only layers of MoS2 have been intercalated, but also their surface properties enhanced. Low-dimensional and potential properties of intercalated MoS2 nanosheets are the aim of many researches. Here, we report a novel four step method to intercalate the layers of MoS2 nanosheets successfully using acid treatment, sonication, oxidization and thermal shocking. The other goal in this study is to evaluate the cation exchange ability and anticorrosion performance of the Ce3+ doped MoS2 nanosheets. The intercalated MoS2 is further characterized using analyses such as FE-SEM, BET, ICP-OES and EIS measurements. The results showed that the expanded MoS2 nanosheets had the higher anticorrosion performance and potential for the intercalation and cation-exchange compared to the unmodified MoS2 nanosheets.