Properties, preparation, and application of tungsten disulfide: a review

Abstract

Abstract Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) attract research interest owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Among the family of TMDs, tungsten disulfide (WS2) has a unique band structure due to its semiconductor characteristics; namely, its broadband spectral response characteristics, ultra-fast bleach recovery time and excellent saturable light absorption. This article is a review of the current application of WS2 in catalysts, lasers, batteries, photodetectors and lubricants. The review begins with a brief overview of the structure, properties and growth of WS2 and describes the existing preparation methods for this material. Finally, methods for improving the performance of WS2 in its current applications are presented. This review is limited to the most recent reports on this topic.