Synthesis of ultrathin rhenium disulfide nanoribbons using nano test tubes

Abstract

The synthesis of ultrathin rhenium disulfide (ReS2) nanoribbons within single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been established. Dirhenium decacarbonyl complex is encapsulated into the SWNTs to provide a source of confined rhenium atoms, which readily react with iodine to form discrete nm-sized clusters of rhenium iodide [Re6I14]2− embedded in the nanotubes. The final step of the synthesis is accomplished by admitting hydrogen sulfide gas into nano test tubes, yielding twisted nanoribbons of rhenium disulfide encapsulated in carbon nanotubes, ReS2@SWNTs. The width, structure, and composition of rhenium disulfide nanoribbons are strictly controlled by the extreme confinement of the host-SWNT. A holistic analytical approach combining complementary imaging and analysis methods is used at each synthetic step to elucidate the structure and composition of the guest material and reveal the role of the SWNT contributing towards the electronic interactions with encapsulated inorganic structures. As ReS2 nanoribbons are expected to retain the electronic properties of the bulk material, such as direct bandgap, the low dimensional form of this material can be of interest for use in nanoscale electronic devices.

Density Functional Theory Calculations of the Stability, Electronic Structure, and Magnetism of ReS2 Nanoribbons: An Emerging Material for Electrocatalytic Reactions

“…Depending on the resultant structure, we predict a variety of electronic and magnetic states in these NRs, as differences in structure change orbital overlaps and bonding interactions. Experimental measurements of the magnetic and electronic properties of ReS 2 nanoribbons are expected, following recent experiments synthesizing ReS 2 NRs, to test the predictions made in this study. , …”

“…Experimental measurements of the magnetic and electronic properties of ReS 2 nanoribbons are expected, following recent experiments synthesizing ReS 2 NRs, to test the predictions made in this study. 35,36…”

“…34 A very recent report by Norman and co-workers describes the synthesis of ReS 2 nanoribbons encapsulated within ReS 2 single-walled nanotubes. 35 They are able to control the width, structure, and composition through the SWNT. However, since these ribbons are confined to the interior of the SWNT, they may have limited applications than freestanding ribbons.…”

“…Gao et al investigated HER in ReS 2 on Au flakes and found that the activity exceeded pristine Au . A very recent report by Norman and co-workers describes the synthesis of ReS 2 nanoribbons encapsulated within ReS 2 single-walled nanotubes . They are able to control the width, structure, and composition through the SWNT.…”

Subnanometer-Wide Indium Selenide Nanoribbons

“…The highly anisotropic geometry of SWCNTs offers a unique environment for the templated growth of ultrathin nanomaterials, , while also allowing for the encapsulated materials to be studied easily by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) . Recently synthesized materials include ReS 2 , SnSe, and HgTe, each forming ultrathin nanoribbons inside the internal cavity of the SWCNTs. Nanowires and nanoribbons synthesized by encapsulation in SWCNTs have great potential as components in nanoelectronic devices due to their high aspect ratio and small diameter .…”