Operando Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Support Interactions and Mechanisms of Salt-Assisted WS₂ Growth.

ABSTRACT: Salt enhanced chemical vapor deposition of WS₂ and related 2D materials is widespread, and while many mechanisms including vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mediated growth have been suggested, gaining a more detailed understanding remains challenging. We employ operando scanning electron microscopy to resolve the entire process of salt-assisted CVD of WS₂, focusing on a model system of individual, small (<100 μm), sapphire supported sodium tungstate (Na₂WO₄) salt particles. We reveal support interactions that lead a salt particle to develop a lateral halo interface, driven by surface eutectic melting above 630 °C. This halo dictates the salt wetting as well as Na and W transport, and thus upon gaseous sulfur precursor exposure dominates the spatiotempora

SUBMITTER: Yang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11823408 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature