Preparation and properties of bulk ZnO/MoS2 nanocomposite by cold sintering process with three-component solvent

Abstract

The cold sintering process was applied as a suitable method to produce high relative density (> 90%) ZnO/MoS₂ nanocomposite. The cold sintering process was done at 170 °C, 480 MPa for 45 min to fabricate ZnO/MoS₂ nanocomposite in a bulk form containing 1–5% MoS₂. In addition to examining the effective parameters of the process, the proper solvents in cold sintering of ZnO/MoS₂ nanocomposite were investigated. The XRD, FTIR, and RAMAN results affirmed the removal of added solvent and the absence of any secondary phase or unknown component in the cold-sintered ZnO/MoS₂ nanocomposite. The SEM and EDX results illustrated that to improve the MoS₂ nanoparticle homogeneous distribution through the ZnO powders, a new three-component solvent (acetic acid-DMSO-water) with enhanced viscosity should be exerted. Increasing MoS₂ nanoparticles resulted in a slight reduction in the final density of the nanocomposite as 5% MoS₂ decreased the relative density from 95.2 to 90.9%. The TGA/DTA curves proved that the thermal stability of the fabricated nanocomposite was up to 450 °C. Alongside the bulk form of the produced nanocomposite, UV–visible investigations illustrated that the MoS₂ nanoparticles enhanced the ZnO substrate's visible light absorption, indicating the potential of the cold-sintered ZnO/MoS₂ nanocomposite for development in optical applications.