Core–shell WS2@WTe2/MoTe2 nanotubes

WTe₂ and MoTe₂ are materials with a layered structure (2D materials) belonging to the transition metal dichalcogenide family of compounds. Their topological 1T′ polytype has not been fabricated and studied in a 1D nanotubular structure, so far. Hereby, the synthesis and detailed structural characterization of core–shell WTe₂ and MoTe₂ nanotubes (NTs) synthesized on top of WS₂ NTs scaffold utilizing van der Waals epitaxy are reported. The excitonic states in core-shell 1D WS₂@MoTe₂ nanostructures are experimentally followed and compared with theoretical calculations. Notably, direct evidence of spin–orbit coupling-induced band splitting in the conduction band is detected in the 2H-MoTe₂. The successful synthesis of WTe₂ and MoTe₂ NTs opens up a spectrum of fundamental and technological avenues for studies focusing on the combination of strained nanotubular morphology and topological and other properties.