Exfoliation of MoS 2 by zero-valent transition metal intercalation.

Exfoliation of bulk molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) into few-layered nanosheets is achieved with the assistance of zero-valent transition metal (Co 0 , Ni 0 , Cu 0 ) intercalation. The as-prepared MoS 2 nanosheets are characterized to consist of 1T- and 2H-phases with an enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. This work provides a novel strategy to prepare 2D MoS 2 nanosheets using mild reductive reagents, which is expected to avoid the undesired structural damage from conventional chemical exfoliation.