Synthesis and characterization of Mo6S4.5I4.5 nanowires

We report on the synthesis and characterization of new a nano-wire-like material with chemical formula Mo6S4.5I4.5. The material can be synthesized in a single step reaction from elements in bulk quantities. The material has a fur-like appearance and is composed of nanowires that are weakly bound in bundles. Bundles itself can be dispersed using an ultrasonic bath in various organic solvents and water. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TG, DTA), and electron microscopy were used to characterize the new material in the shape of nanowires. Due to their monodisperse and metallic nature, molybdenum-sulphur-iodine nanowires are an interesting alternative to carbon nanotubes for some applications.