WS₂ nanotubes have been filled and intercalated by molten phase caesium iodide. The presence of caesium iodide inside the WS₂ nanotubes has been determined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Noticeably, a Moiré pattern was observed due to the interference between encapsulated CsI and WS₂ layers. The intercalation of CsI into the host concentric WS₂ lattices resulted in an increase in the interplanar spacing.

Inorganic fullerene-like WS₂ and MoS₂ nanoparticles have been synthesized using exclusively solid precursors, by reaction of the corresponding metal oxide nanopowder, sulfur and a hydrogen-releasing agent (NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄), achieved either by conventional furnace heating up to ~900 ℃ or by photothermal ablation at far higher temperatures driven by highly concentrated white light. In contrast to the established syntheses that require toxic and hazardous gases, working solely with solid precursors permits relatively safer reactor conditions conducive to industrial scale-up.