Solution synthesis of few-layer WTe2 and MoxW1−xTe2 nanostructures

Abstract

Transition metal ditellurides are gaining widespread attention due to their rich polymorphism and distinct electronic properties when compared to transition metal disulfides and diselenides. Here, we report the direct synthesis of T_d-WTe₂ nanostructures via a low-temperature solution-based method. A comprehensive structural characterization reveals the anisotropic pathway by which the few-layer WTe₂ nanostructures grow, as well as the co-existence of multiple stacking motifs. The versatility of this synthetic approach is further expanded to access nanostructured Mo_xW_1−xTe₂ alloys across the entire solid solution that spans the 1T′-MoTe₂ and T_d-WTe₂ end members, where the elemental composition and crystal structure can be systematically tuned by modulating the metal reagent ratios. The ability to access transition metal ditellurides using solution synthesis methods complements traditional gas-phase fabrication techniques and provides an alternative strategy for manufacturing an expanded library of composition-tunable TMD nanostructures.