Different strategies for GaN-MoS2 and GaN-WS2 core-shell nanowire growth

TL;DR

This paper explores two methods for growing high-quality GaN-MoS2 and GaN-WS2 core-shell nanowires, combining experimental synthesis, characterization, and theoretical analysis to evaluate their potential as photocatalysts for water splitting.

Contribution

It introduces and compares two novel methods for synthesizing GaN-based core-shell nanowires with layered transition metal dichalcogenides.

Findings

High crystalline quality core-shell nanowires achieved via both methods

Structural and chemical characterization confirms successful synthesis

Theoretical calculations suggest potential for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures - nanowires (NWs) - exhibit promising properties for integration in different types of functional devices. Their properties can be enhanced even further or tuned for a specific application by combining different promising materials, such as layered van der Waals materials and conventional semiconductors, into 1D-1D core-shell heterostructures. In this work, we demonstrated growth of GaN-MoS2 and GaN-WS2 core-shell NWs via two different methods: (1) two-step process of sputter-deposition of a sacrificial transition metal oxide coating on GaN NWs followed by sulfurization; (2) pulsed laser deposition of few-layer MoS2 or WS2 on GaN NWs from the respective material targets. As-prepared nanostructures were characterized via scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High crystalline quality core-shell NW heterostructures with few-layer MoS2 and WS2 shells can be prepared via both routes. The experimental results were supported by theoretical electronic structure calculations, which demonstrated the potential of the synthesised core-shell NW heterostructures as photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production from water.