Synthesis of fullerene-like tantalum disulfide nanoparticles by a gas-phase reaction and laser ablation

Motivated by the discovery of the C₆₀ molecule (buckminsterfullerene), the search for inorganic counterparts of this closed-cage nanostructure started in 1992 with the discovery of nested fullerene-like nanoparticles of WS₂. Inorganic fullerene-like (IF) materials have since been found in numerous two-dimensional compounds and are available in a variety of shapes that offer major applications such as in lubricants and nanocomposites. Various synthetic methodologies have been employed to achieve the right conditions for the constricted or templated growth needed for the occurrence of this new phase. In this study, IF-TaS₂ is produced from a volatile chloride precursor in the gas phase and in small yield by room temperature laser ablation both in argon and in liquid CS ₂. For the gas-phase reaction, a high yield of IF nanoparticles was obtained between 400 and 600°C with a low concentration of the precursor gas. The average size and the yield of the IF-TaS₂ nanoparticles decrease with temperature. Above 600°C, IF nanoparticles were found in low yields and at sizes below 20 nm. The stability of the IF nanoparticles produced by the gas-phase reaction is discussed in the light of two existing theoretical models. Laser ablation in argon leads to IF nanoparticles filled with clusters of TaS₂. Agglomeration of the nanoparticles can be avoided by laser ablation in liquid CS₂.