Facile synthesis of WSe₂ nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes

A single-step, nonaqueous, solventless, facile chemical reaction is carried out to synthesize a WSe₂ nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes [WSe ₂/C] composite at moderate temperature. The use of highly toxic H₂Se gas is avoided, reacting elemental selenium powder with W(CO)₆ at 750 °C under their autogenic pressure in a closed reactor. Without further processing the as-prepared WSe₂/C nanocomposite, detailed characterizations are carried out, and a proposed reaction mechanism is discussed. X-ray diffraction measurements are consistent with the hexagonal phase of WSe₂, and the highly crystalline nature of WSe₂ nanoparticles is also confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy pictures. Scanning electron microscopy measurements reveal that WSe₂ nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are formed, with the composition being tracked by C, H, N, S and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area analysis technique is implemented for the determination of nitrogen gas adsorption on the surface of the WSe₂/C nanocomposite.