A method of forming a single atomic layer nanoribbon on a substrate by subjecting two or more precursor powders to a moisturized gas flow at a temperature sufficient to deposit the single atomic layer nanoribbon on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition, the single atomic layer nanoribbon having a transition metal dichalcogenide material and the substrate including fluorophlogopite mica, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, or a combination thereof. Also described are single atomic layer nanoribbons prepared by the method.