Beyond the most highly studied graphene, transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are now another focus in two-dimensional (2D) materials research, due to their unique physical and electronic properties. A novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) based motor was developed. The motor can display autonomous motion on the surface of water and undergo self-exfoliation at the same time. Large scale of 2D MoS₂ nanosheets in solution phase can be obtained through the exfoliation of sodium intercalated bulk MoS₂. Surface tension resulting from the naphthalene distributed in the MoS₂ particles is able to propel the motion of the particles at the water surface. The Marangoni effect offers a strategy to fabricate TMD motors that can exhibit motion in an unmodified aqueous environment. The coupling of self-exfoliation and autonomous motion of the MoS₂ motor provides a new platform for applications of MoS₂ in small scale motors. As MoS₂ nanosheets have shown great potential in biomedical and environmental areas, the MoS₂ motor is envisioned to be used in sensing, cargo delivery and removal of heavy metals.