Hydrothermal synthesis of two-dimensional MoS2 and its applications

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted tremendous attention because of their unique electronic, optical and chemical properties. 2D TMDs, especially 2D MoS2, have been proved to show great potential in various applications such as sensing, hydrogen evolution and lithium ion batteries. Therefore, methods for the scalable preparation of 2D materials and 2D nanocomposites of high quality and low cost must be developed. Among the various synthesis methods, the hydrothermal synthesis method is simple and can meet the above requirements. In this review, the recent advances in the controllable hydrothermal synthesis of 2D MoS2 and its nanocomposites by the hydrothermal synthesis method are highlighted. We provide insight into the growth mechanisms of few-layered 2D MoS2 with different morphologies and the key technologies to realize wafer-scale growth of continuous and homogeneous 2D films which are important for practical applications. Further, the typical applications of TMDs in nonlinear optics as ultrafast optical modulation devices are presented based on work of our institute. For more clarity, we summarize the current challenges of the hydrothermal synthesis method encountering, and suggest solutions to these challenges concerning future developments in practical applications.