Mechanism of WS₂ Nanotube Formation Revealed by in Situ/ex Situ Imaging

Multiwall WS₂ nanotubes have been synthesized from W₁₈O₄₉ nanowhiskers in substantial amounts for more than a decade. The established growth model is based on the “surface-inward” mechanism, whereby the high-temperature reaction with H₂S starts on the nanowhisker surface, and the oxide-to-sulfide conversion progresses inward until hollow-core multiwall WS₂ nanotubes are obtained. In the present work, an upgraded in situ SEM μReactor with H₂ and H₂S sources has been conceived to study the growth mechanism in detail. A hitherto undescribed growth mechanism, named “receding oxide core”, which complements the “surface-inward” model, is observed and kinetically evaluated. Initially, the nanowhisker is passivated by several WS₂ layers via the surface-inward reaction. At this point, the diffusion of H₂S through the already existing outer layers becomes exceedingly sluggish, and the surface-inward reaction is slowed down appreciably. Subsequently, the tungsten suboxide core is anisotropically volatilized within the core close to its tips. The oxide vapors within the core lead to its partial out-diffusion, partially forming a cavity that expands with reaction time. Additionally, the oxide vapors react with the internalized H₂S gas, forming fresh WS₂ layers in the cavity of the nascent nanotube. The rate of the receding oxide core mode increases with temperatures above 900 °C. The growth of nanotubes in the atmospheric pressure flow reactor is carried out as well, showing that the proposed growth model (receding oxide core) is also relevant under regular reaction parameters. The current study comprehensively explains the WS₂ nanotube growth mechanism, combining the known model with contemporary insight.