Encapsulated Nanoparticles Produced by Pulsed Laser Ablation of MoS₂−Te Composite Target

Encapsulated nanoparticles were produced by the pulsed laser ablation of MoS₂−Te composite targets in a high vacuum chamber. Transmission electron microscope and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer measurements showed that core-like Mo-rich nanoparticles were encapsulated with shell-like Te-rich materials. Layer structures of the hexagonal MoTe₂ phase were formed on the nanoparticle surface that was linked to the diffusion-controlled migration and crystallization. The mechanism of nanoparticle syntheses was discussed in relationship with the pulsed laser ablation of MoS₂−Te target materials, the formation of Mo-rich cores, and the growth of layer-structured MoTe₂ shells.