Abstract
In this manuscript, we provide new and detailed insight on nanologs—another high aspect ratio member in the family of WS2 nanoparticles, whose peculiar internal structure has never been studied. For years, particles similar to nanologs were considered byproduct of WS2 nanotubes synthesis and were overlooked by researchers. However, direct view on its cross-section shows interesting internal structure which hints potential for several applications. Since the particles are too thick to be observed in transmission electron microscope (400–500 nm or thicker), we cut several pristine as well as thoroughly annealed nanologs by focused ion beam and observed the resulting cross-sections in high resolution transmission electron microscope. Nanologs interior comprises of complicated network of WS2 folds and cross-cutting hollow channels. It is quite different from a bundle of nanotubes as it is typically assumed to be. Our experiments indicate that the porosity and composition of the particle can be tailored in accordance with usage requirements which can include composite materials, catalysis, and Li storage.
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Acknowledgements
The author wants to thank the research staff from the Chemical Research Support Unit of Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) for their help and professionalism: Dr. R. Popovitz-Biro for making high resolution TEM imaging and EELS, K. Rehav for making FIB lamellas, Dr. Ifat Kaplan-Ashiri for SEM imaging, and Dr. Yishay (Isai) Feldman for fruitful discussions.
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