Characterization of oriented thin films of WSe2 grown by van der Waals rheotaxy

Abstract WSe 2 films (1–4 μm thick) prepared over a molten Ni x Se y substrate (by the so-called van der Waals rheotaxy process) at elevated temperatures, where characterized through a number of techniques. They were shown to possess very good optical and electronic properties, in addition to having (almost) perfect type-II texture, i.e. c axis perpendicular to the substrate. Ramifications of this work to photovoltaics and solid lubrication, is briefly discussed.