Synthesis of flower-like WS2 by chemical vapor deposition*

Flower-like tungsten disulfide (WS2) with a diameter of 5–10 μm is prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy are used to characterize its morphological and optical properties, and its growth mechanism is discussed. The key factors for the formation of flower-like WS2 are determined. Firstly, the cooling process causes the generation of nucleation dislocations, and then the “leaf” growth of flower-like WS2 is achieved by increasing the temperature.