Graphene-type sheets of Nb1−xWxS2: synthesis and in situ functionalization

Abstract

Enlightened by the discovery of graphenes, a variety of inorganic analogues have been synthesized and characterized in recent years. Solvated Nb_1−xW_xS₂ analogues of graphene-type sheets were prepared by lithiation and exfoliation of multistacked Nb_1−xW_xS₂ coin roll nanowires (CRNWs), followed by in situ functionalization with gold nanoparticles to synthesize gold-loaded Nb_1−xW_xS₂/Au nanocomposites. The Nb_1−xW_xS₂ nanosheets and the corresponding Nb_1−xW_xS₂/Au nanocomposites were characterized by high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning force microscopy (AFM). The graphene-type sheets are stable in water and other solvents and can be functionalized similarly as chalcogen-terminated surfaces (e.g. with Au nanoparticles).