Methane Adsorption on MoS₂ Surfaces

In order to develop layered van der Waals materials for niche application leading to chemical sensing, gas storage, catalysis etc. it is essential to have a clear understanding of the adsorption behavior of various gases on the surfaces of these materials. Among a variety of layered materials available, the potential uses of Molybdenum di Sulfide (MoS₂) in the abovementioned areas of applications are hypothesized. However, a thorough understanding of adsorption behavior of gases on MoS₂ surfaces are required in order to assess their viability for such applications. Here, we will present our combined investigation of volumetric adsorption measurement as well as Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation results of adsorption of Methane on MoS₂ surfaces. By studying the low coverage adsorption isotherms on bulk MoS₂ as well as micron size MoS₂ flakes, isosteric heats of adsorption of methane on MoS₂ material was obtained. These findings will be analyzed in the light of the DFT calculations in order to present a clear understanding of the adsorption behavior of methane on MoS₂.