Surface defects as a tool to solubilize and functionalize WS2 nanotubes

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides contain a number of crystal defects which significantly change their properties may be beneficial or detrimental for a specific application. We have prepared defect-rich multiwalled WS2 nanotubes by reductive sulfidization of W18O49 nanowires that were obtained solvothermally from tungsten chloride in different alcohols. The synthesis of the W18O49 nanowires was monitored and their morphological characteristics (e. g. length, rigidity and aspect ratio) are described in detail. The effect of morphology of the nanowires on the synthesis of WS2 nanotubes was investigated in order to obtain WS2 nanotubes that are highly solvent dispersible. Dispersions of the WS2 nanotubes in organic solvents were very stable for several days. The nanotubes could easily be functionalized with noble metals, metal oxides and Janus-type metal@metal oxide nanoparticles. The synthesis of nanowires and nanotubes and the immobilization of the nanoparticles is demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy.