Synthesis of crystalline WS(3) with a layered structure and desert-rose-like morphology

Tungsten disulphide has attracted great research interest due to its layered structure as well as physical and chemical properties. A less common type of tungsten sulphide, WS(3), has also been studied as an electrochemical catalyst, but its crystal structure remains unclear because it has only been prepared in the amorphous form. In this work, crystalline WS(3) is synthesized with a desert-rose-like morphology through the sulphurization of WO(3)·0.33H(2)O in a solvothermal reaction. The composition of WS(3) is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements as well as thermogravimetric experiment. The crystalline WS(3) also has a layered structure and is likely to belong to the trigonal crystal system. Its lattice parameters in the hexagonal description are 5.30 Å × 5.30 Å × 29.0 Å <90 ° × 90 ° × 120°>, which are determined by 3D electron diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction. The WS(3) shows potential as catalyst for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction. Our findings extend the family of layered tungsten sulphide materials.