Preparation of tungsten carbide nanosheets with large surface area using an in situ DWCNT template

Abstract

Tungsten carbide (WC) nanosheets were prepared using an in situ double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) template with high dispersion. The growth of tungstenic acid (H₂WO₄) was restrained because of homogenous DWCNTs that were dispersed in ethylene glycol (EG). H₂WO₄ sheets approximately 50 nm long and 20 nm wide were obtained. WC nanosheets with large surface areas were prepared when the tungstenic precursor was carbonized at a low temperature using a liquid carbon source. The WC was used as a precursor for depositing Pt nanoparticles, and the obtained WC–Pt displayed a high electrochemical activity (Pt, 10 wt%). The results indicated that WC with a peculiar morphology and size could be used in electrochemistry, horniness alloys, and in other related fields.