High Pressure Raman and X-ray diffraction studies on MoS$_{2}$ up to 51 GPa

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS$_{2})$ is technologically important material which finds potential applications as high temperature lubricant, universal joint in ultra high vacuum chambers and in photovoltaic devices. Recent studies show excellent antishock or shock-absorbing property under very high shock wave pressures of 25 GPa and temperature up to 1,000$^{\circ}$C. We have investigated the structural stability of MoS$_{2}$ under high pressure conditions up to 51 GPa using synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) in an angle dispersive geometry and a diamond anvil cell using Ne pressure medium. Raman spectra were collected up to 30 GPa. Furthermore, we have also performed high temperature x-ray diffraction up to 450$^{\circ}$C at ambient pressure conditions. Analysis of both XRD and Raman data indicate a pressure induced phase transition occurring above 20 GPa from the ambient hexagonal to a possible high pressure orthorhombic phase. The results will be presented in detail.