M Remskar - Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova ۳۹, SI-۱۰۰۰ Ljubljana, Slovenia
M Virsek - Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova ۳۹, SI-۱۰۰۰ Ljubljana, Slovenia
I Iskra - Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova ۳۹, SI-۱۰۰۰ Ljubljana, Slovenia
M Kalin - Centre for tribology and Technical Diagnostics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana,Bogisiceva ۸, SI-۱۰۰۰ Ljubljana, Slovenia

Recently discovered the first inorganic nanopods have led to a enthusiastic synthesis of a variety of possible morphologies of nanoparticles grown in a confined geometry of nanotubes. The MoS2 nanotube hybrids repre sent a family of nanomaterials, where nanotubes serve as nanoreactors and in some cases also as nanocontainers of MoS2 fullerene-like particles, which have in-situ grown in a confined geometry of nanotubes. A simple temperature control of morphology, size and inner structure of nano hybrids leads to a selective morphology like coaxial nanotubes, “mama”- tubes with encapsulated nano-onions, the growth of MoS2 nanobuds or it facilitates a release of MoS2 nano-onions, which then form weakly bonded self-assemblies. Growth mechanism is discussed based on atomic probe electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. These new hybrid nanotubefullerene structures represent new exited field of experimental research with applications foreseen in tribology, nanoelectronics, catalysis, hydrogen storage and as polymer composites.

Nanotubes; MoS2; Tribology; Nanomaterials; Lubrication