The effect of electron beam irradiation on WS2 nanotubes.

WS(2) nanotubes were irradiated with a focused electron beam in an electron microscope. The results show that the nanotubes are destroyed from the outer layer to the inside. The displaced atoms can leave the irradiated area by sputtering events or by diffusive migration along the shells and the inner hollow. The smaller tubes have a lower stability. The stability of the tube increases after the central hollow is closed and the asymmetric irradiation can lead to a bending of the tube. Electron irradiation causes the change of WS(2) nanotubes into a polycrystalline structure. The primary cause of the electron irradiation damage in WS(2) nanotubes is knock-on collisions.