MoS_2 samples with controllable morphologies and structures were synthesized using surfactantassisted hydrothermal processes.The effects of surfactants（PEG,PVP,P123,SDS,AOT,and CTAB）on the morphologies and structures of MoS_2 samples were investigated.The results revealed that spherical,bulk-like,and flower-like MoS_2 particles assembled by NH4~＋-intercalated MoS_2 nano-sheets were synthesized.The morphologies of the MoS_2 samples and their structures（including the slab length and the number of stacked layers） of MoS_2 nano-sheets in these samples could be controlled by adjusting the surfactants.Mono-dispersed spherical MoS_2 particles could be synthesized with PEG via the creation of MoS_2 nano-sheets with slab lengths shorter than 15 nm and fewer than six stacked layers.Possible formation mechanisms of these MoS_2 samples created via surfactant-assisted hydrothermal processes are proposed.Further,the catalytic activities of MoS_2 samples for anthracene hydrogenation were evaluated in a slurry-bed reactor.The catalyst synthesized with the surfactant PEG exhibited the highest catalytic hydrogenation activity.Compared with the other catalysts,it had a smaller particle size,mono-dispersed spherical morphology,shorter slab length,and fewer stacked layers;these were all beneficial to exposing its active edges.This work provides an efficient approach to synthesize transition metal sulfides with controllable morphologies and structures.
