Advances in the Synthesis of Inorganic Nanotubes and Fullerene‐Like Nanoparticles

Abstract

In analogy to graphite, nanoparticles of inorganic compounds with lamellar two‐dimensional structure, such as MoS₂, are not stable against folding, and can adopt nanotubular and fullerene‐like structures, nicknamed inorganic fullerenes or IF. Various applications for such nanomaterials were proposed. For instance, IF‐WS₂ nanoparticles were shown to have beneficial effects as solid lubricants and as part of tribological surfaces. Further applications of IF for high‐tensile‐strength fibers, hydrogen storage, rechargeable batteries, catalysis, and in nanotechnology are being contemplated. This Minireview highlights some of the latest developments in the synthesis of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene‐like structures. Some structural aspects and properties of IF, which are distinct from the bulk materials, are briefly discussed.