Influence of Milling Media on Mechanically Exfoliated MoS2

Wet ball milling was used to exfoliate MoS2. The aim of the study was to examine how the surface energy of all the individual materials affected the formation of the nanosheets. Two types of milling balls were selected: one made of steel and one made of Al2O3. The liquids used were water (H2O), isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O) and kerosene. The obtained nanosheets were identified and characterized using transmission/scanning electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Following sedimentation, scattered light intensity was measured. Our experiments showed that the material of the milling balls played a significant role in the experiment and had an influence on the number of the nanosheets obtained. Irrespective of the liquid employed, the number of nanosheets in the suspension obtained by milling with Al2O3 balls was greater by 100% than those obtained via milling with steel balls.