Synthesis, stabilization and applications of 2-dimensional 1T metallic MoS2

Abstract

1T MoS₂ is metallic octahedral type molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). Compared to the most stable and widely existing triangle prismatic (2H) phase of MoS₂, 1T MoS₂ possesses distinct electrochemical and electronic properties, such as a high conductivity, abundant active sites both at the edges and on the basal plane for electrochemical catalysis, and enlarged interlayer distance. Due to these merits, the last few years have witnessed a growing amount of interest in both synthesis and application of this unique material. So far, a series of methods have been developed to obtain 1T rich or 1T containing MoS₂ and the applications of 1T MoS₂ have covered a wide range of areas from electrochemical reactions, photoelectrocatalysis and photodetectors to photothermal agents, energy storage devices, and biosensors. In this article, to obtain a hint of the key reasons for the formation of 1T structured MoS₂ and instruct the exploration of more desirable new approaches, the means for fabricating 1T MoS₂ that have been reported are carefully classified and compared with a focus on the detailed procedures and the underlying mechanisms. Meanwhile, a full image of the explored applications with 1T MoS₂ is provided with an emphasis on the relationship between the properties of 1T MoS₂ and the performance and a hope to inspire the development of other potential applications for 1T MoS₂. Additionally, the stabilization issue of 1T MoS₂ is discussed with a review of the current efforts. The content will be not only helpful for researchers currently working in the related areas but also instructive for the ones new to this field.