The amorphous MoS2 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple oxidation-reduction reaction in an aqueous solution. A series of products with different morphologies, such as MoS2 nanospheres, inorganic fullerene-like nanospheres, nanorods and Mo bended rods, can be obtained by annealing the amorphous MoS2 nanoparticles under N-2 atmosphere under 400-1200 degrees C. These products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy in detail. The possible transformation mechanism for the structure has been discussed based on the experimental results. In addition, the optical properties of IF-MoS2 have also been performed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.