Metal Polysulfides of Groups 4-6: From Bulk Samples to Nanoscale Materials

The article discusses the current state of research concerning transition metal polysulfides of groups 4-6. We review the data on the preparation of nanoscale polychalcogenides from elements or molecular precursors and by exfoliating bulk samples. Particular attention is paid to the ultrasound liquid-phase exfoliation of typical polysulfides such as NbS3, TaS3, VS4. The main feature of this class of compounds is the presence of disulfide groups (S-S)(2-) which determine most important structural, physical, and chemical properties of these compounds to make them effective catalysts and electrodes in electrochemical cells.