Spatially Sequential Growth of Various WSi₂ Networked Nanostructures and Mechanisms

Various WSi₂ nanostructures including networked nanorods (NNWs), networked nanoribbons (NNRs), and nanosheets (NSs) were sequentially (spatial) synthesized in a controlled manner via a single-step chemical vapor deposition method. Their morphology, structure, and composition were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopes and X-ray diffraction. The nanostructures are 6–10 nm in thickness and several micrometers in length. The results reveal that the formation of WSi₂ nanostructures is governed by a vapor solid mechanism and the concentration of reactive species plays a crucial role in controlling the formation of the various morphologies of the synthesized nanostructures. The time-dependent growth study shows that the nanostructures feature two-dimensional growth of WSi₂, resulting in nanonets and nanosheets. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of these nanostructures demonstrate the chemical capacitance characteristics of WSi₂ nanosheets and nanoribbons. Not only has this study paved a new route for preparing various nanostructures, but also these nanostructures are of great interest for nanodevices and electrochemical applications.