Abstract:
This presentation is aimed at underlying the principles, synthesis, characterization and applications of inorganic nanotubes (INT) and fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles (NP) from 2-D layered compounds. While the high temperature synthesis and study of IF materials and INT from layered metal dichalcogenides, like WS2 and MoS2 remain a major challenge, progress with the synthesis of IF and INT structures from various other compounds has been realized, as well. Intercalation and doping of these nanostructures, which lend themselves to interesting electronic properties, have been realized, too. Core-shell nanotubular structures, like PbI2@WS2 and SnS/SnS2 and PbS/NbS2 nanotubes from "misfit" compounds have been recently reported. In particular, in view of their anticipated interesting electronic, optical and magnetic properties, the recent progress with the synthesis and structure of nanotubes from variety of misfit compounds is of a particular interest and will be discussed in some detail. Re doping of the IF and INT endow them with interesting electrical and other physio-chemical properties. Major progress has been achieved in elucidating the structure of INT and IF using advanced microscopy techniques, like aberration corrected TEM and electron tomography. Extensive experimental and theoretical analysis of the mechanical properties of individual INT and more recently IF NP was performed casting light on their behavior as superior solid lubricants and their potential use for reinforcing different polymer matrices. IF-MS2 (M=W,Mo, etc) were shown to be superior solid lubricants in variety of forms, including an additive to various lubricating fluids/greases and for various self-lubricating coating and were recently commercialized. Some new potential applications for these and related materials will be discussed in the fields high toughness nanocomposites, etc.
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