Synthesis and characterization of tungsten disulfide-graphene oxide nanocomposite

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as tungsten disulfide (WS₂) and graphene oxide (GO), have garnered significant attention. This is due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in catalysis, electronics, and phototherapy. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of WS₂ nanosheets, GO nanosheets, and a novel WS₂-GO nanocomposite (NC). The NC was prepared via a simple wet-chemical method, which is low-cost and versatile, ensuring uniform dispersion and strong interfacial interactions between the WS₂ and GO nanosheets. Functional group identification was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), while structural and morphological analysis was done using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Additionally, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) verified a homogeneous elemental distribution. FT-IR spectra of the NC reveal characteristic bands for carboxyl, hydroxyl, and alkoxy groups from GO, as well as W-S and S-S vibrational modes from WS₂. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline nature of WS₂-GO NC, displaying the characteristic GO peak alongside distinct diffraction peaks corresponding to the hexagonal phase of WS₂, which verifies the successful formation of the hybrid. SEM and TEM imaging visually confirm the integration of WS₂ onto the wrinkled GO surface with minimal aggregation and high crystallinity, as supported by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Furthermore, the WS₂-GO NC exhibits intensified ultraviolet absorption and broadened, quenched excitonic transitions in the visible range, indicating interfacial electronic coupling and efficient charge transfer. Together, these results demonstrate that the WS₂-GO NC retains the functional properties of both components, making it a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical applications.