Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDS) possess enormous attention in the field of catalysis, optoelectronic devices, sensors, and piezotronics owing to its wide range of chemical, electrical and mechanical properties. Numerous efforts have been made to develop nanostructured TMDS in solution-based methods. Here, we successfully synthesised layered tungsten ditelluride ( WTe₂ ) nanoflowers (NFs) in solution phase approach. We further characterised WTe₂ NFs and evaluated the piezoelectric properties using atomic force microscopy. The layered WTe₂ NFs exhibited significant piezoresponse which may result due to its non-centrosymmetric structure. The unique piezoelectric property of the layered WTe₂ is opening up the new field applications such as low-power consumption devices, ultrasensitive sensors, and piezoelectric nanogenerators.

Reference

Wenzhuo Wu, Lei Wang, Nature, 514, 470-474.