Ultrathin Tungsten Bronze Nanowires with Efficient Photo-to-Thermal Conversion Behavior

Researchers synthesized ultrathin Na-Cs, Na-Li and K-Cs-QTBNWs through a one-step hydrothermal method, which meant QTBNWs contained Na and Cs, Na and Li, K and Cs ions. In an experiment, Na ₂ WO ₄ ·2H ₂ O and alkali carbonate was first dissolved in deionized water that contained hydrochloric acid. Cyclohexane and oleylamine were added to the aqueous solution with stirring. Finally, the slurry was sealed in a 10 mL capacity Teflon-lined autoclave and heated at 190 °C for 60 hours. The obtained ultrathin QTBNWs with diameters of 1−2 nm and length up to microscale were flexible. When they were dispersed in cyclohexane with a high concentration, the dispersion was viscous and could form a gel when left to stand a while. The QTBNWs also exhibited potential in the photothermal conversion.