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At least 469 records · Page 26

Charge transfer in crystalline germanium/monolayer MoS 2 heterostructures prepared by chemical vapor deposition

Heterostructuring provides novel opportunities for exploring emergent phenomena and applications by developing designed properties beyond those of homogeneous materials. Advances in nanoscience enable the preparation of heterostructures formed incommensurate materials. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, are of particular interest due to their distinct physical characteristics. There have been recent changes in new research areas related to 2D/2D heterostructures. But, other heterostructures such as 2D/three-dimensional (3D) materials have not been thoroughly studied yet although the growth of 3D materials on 2D materials creating 2D/3D heterostructures with exceptional carrier transport properties has been reported. Here also we report a novel heterostructure composed of Ge and monolayer MoS 2 , prepared by chemical vapor deposition. A single crystalline Ge (110) thin film was grown on monolayer MoS 2 . The electrical characteristics of Ge and MoS 2 in the Ge/MoS 2 heterostructure were remarkably different from those of isolated Ge and MoS 2 . The field-effect conductivity type of the monolayer MoS 2 is converted from n-type to p-type by growth of the Ge thin film on top of it. Undoped Ge on MoS 2 is highly conducting. The observations can be explained by charge transfer in the heterostructure as opposed to chemical doping via the incorporation of impurities, based on our first-principles calculations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Anomalous phase transition behavior in hydrothermal grown layered tellurene

Recent studies have demonstrated that tellurene is a van der Waals (vdW) two-dimensional material with potential optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications as a result of its pseudo-one-dimensional structure and properties. Here, we report on the pressure induced anomalous phase transition of tellurium nanoribbons. The observation of clean phase transitions was made possible with high quality single crystalline Te nanoribbons that are synthesized by hydrothermal reaction growth. The results show that phase transition has a large pressure hysteresis and multiple competing phases: during compression, the phase transition is sudden and takes place from trigonal to orthorhombic phase at 6.5 GPa. Orthorhombic phase remains stable up to higher pressures (15 GPa). In contrast, phase transition is not sudden during decompression, but orthorhombic and trigonal phases co-exist between 6.9 to 3.4 GPa. Grüneisen parameter calculations further confirm the presence of co-existing phases and suggest hysteretic phase change behavior. Finally, orthorhombic to trigonal phase transition occurs at 3.4 GPa which means overall pressure hysteresis is around 3.1 GPa.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Green synthesis of reduced Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets with enhanced conductivity, oxidation stability, and SERS activity

Transition metal carbides (MXenes) are an emerging family of highly conductive two-dimensional materials with additional functional properties introduced by surface terminations. Further modification of the surface terminations makes MXenes even more appealing for practical applications. Herein, we report a facile and environmentally benign synthesis of reduced Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene (r-Ti 3 C 2 T x ) via a simple treatment with L-ascorbic acid at room temperature. r-Ti 3 C 2 T x shows a six-fold increase in electrical conductivity, from 471 ± 49 for regular Ti 3 C 2 T x to 2819 ± 306 S m -1 for the reduced version. Additionally, we show an enhanced oxidation stability of r-Ti 3 C 2 T x as compared to regular Ti 3 C 2 T x . An examination of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity reveals that the SERS enhancement factor of r-Ti 3 C 2 T x is an order of magnitude higher than that of regular Ti 3 C 2 T x . The improved SERS activity of r-Ti 3 C 2 T x is attributed to the charge transfer interaction between the MXene surface and probe molecules, re-enforced by an increased electronic density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level of r-Ti 3 C 2 T x . The findings of this study suggest that reduced MXene could be a superior choice over regular MXene, especially for the applications that employ high electronic conductivity, such as electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors, photodetectors, and SERS-based sensors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Semiconductor to Topological Insulator Transition Induced by Stress Propagation in Metal Dichalcogenides Core-Shell Lateral Heterostructures

Polymorphic phase transition is an important route for engineering the properties of two-dimensional materials. Heterostructure construction, on the other hand, not only allows the integration of different functionalities for device applications, but also enables the exploration of new physics arising from proximity coupling. Yet, implementing a design that incorporates the advantages of both remains underexplored. Here in this paper, based on comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies of WSe 2 /SnSe 2 core-shell lateral heterostructure, we demonstrate an unexpected H to T' phase transition in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), correlating to a change of materials properties from semiconductor to topological insulator (TI), and propose a novel shell-to-core stress propagation mechanism. This finding offers new insights into TMD phase transition empowered by the rational design of heterostructures. Owing to the superconducting properties of SnSe 2 at low temperatures, the unique TI/superconductor core-shell template is expected to add more arsenals to the ongoing search of Majorana fermions in condensed matter systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantification of defects engineered in single layer MoS 2

Atomic defects are controllably introduced in suspended single layer molybdenum disulfide (1L MoS 2 ) using helium ion beam. Vacancies exhibit one missing atom of molybdenum and a few atoms of sulfur. Quantification was done using a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) with an annular detector. Experimentally accessible inter-defect distance was employed to measure the degree of crystallinity in 1L MoS 2 . A correlation between the appearance of an acoustic phonon mode in the Raman spectra and the inter-defect distance was established, which introduces a new methodology for quantifying defects in two-dimensional materials such as MoS 2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Interlayer exciton landscape in WS 2 /tetracene heterostructures

The vertical stacking of two-dimensional materials into heterostructures gives rise to a plethora of intriguing optoelectronic properties and presents an unprecedented potential for technological development. While much progress has been made combining different monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), little is known about TMD-based heterostructures including organic layers of molecules. In this work, we present a joint theory–experiment study on a TMD/tetracene heterostructure demonstrating clear signatures of spatially separated interlayer excitons in low temperature photoluminescence spectra. Here, the Coulomb-bound electrons and holes are localized either in the TMD or in the molecule layer, respectively. We reveal both in theory and experiment signatures of the entire intra- and interlayer exciton landscape in the photoluminescence spectra. In particular, we find both in theory and experiment a pronounced transfer of intensity from the intralayer TMD exciton to a series of energetically lower interlayer excitons with decreasing temperature. In addition, we find signatures of phonon-sidebands stemming from these interlayer exciton states. Our findings shed light on the microscopic nature of interlayer excitons in TMD/molecule heterostructures and could have important implications for technological applications of these materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multifunctional textured graphene-based coatings on elastomeric gloves for chemical protection

Nanotechnology offers a variety of new tools for the design of next-generation personal protective equipment (PPE). One example is the use of two-dimensional materials as coatings that enhance the performance and ergonomics of elastomeric gloves designed to protect users from hazardous chemicals. Desirable features in such coatings may include molecular barrier function, liquid droplet repellency, stretchability for compatibility with the elastomer, breathability, and an ultrathin profile that preserves the user's manual dexterity and tactile sensation. The present work explores the potential of engineered graphene-based films with out-of-plane texturing as a novel platform to meet these multifold requirements. Graphene-based films in different formulations were fabricated from water-borne inks by vacuum filtration and solution casting methods on glove-derived nitrile rubber substrates. The various coatings were then subjected to tests of molecular permeation by model volatile organic compounds, droplet contact angle, breathability, and mechanical stability during stretching and solvent immersion. The films dramatically improve the barrier properties of glove-derived nitrile. The out-of-plane graphene texturing imparts stretchability through microscale folding/unfolding, while also enhancing droplet repellency in some cases through a lotus-like roughening effect. The combined results suggest that engineered textured graphene-based films are a promising platform for creating multifunctional coatings for a next generation of chemically protective gloves and other elastomer-based PPE.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interface magnetism in vanadium-doped MoS 2 /graphene heterostructures

Magnetism in two-dimensional materials is of great importance in discovering new physical phenomena and developing new devices at the nanoscale. In this paper, first-principles simulations are used to calculate the electronic and magnetic properties of heterostructures composed of graphene and MoS 2 considering the influence of point defects and vanadium doping. It is found that the concentration of the dopants and the types of defects can result in induced magnetic moments leading to ferromagnetically polarized systems with sharp interfaces. This provides a framework for interpreting the experimental observations of enhanced ferromagnetism in both MoS 2 /graphene and V-doped MoS 2 /graphene heterostructures. The computed electronic and spin polarizations give a microscopic understanding of the origin of ferromagnetism in these systems and illustrate how doping and defect engineering can lead to targeted property tunability. Our work has demonstrated that through defects engineering, ferromagnetism can be achieved in V-doped MoS2/graphene heterostructures, providing a potential way to induce magnetization in other TMDC/graphene materials and opening new opportunities for their applications in nano-spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structure and mechanical properties of grain boundaries in molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 )

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is a two-dimensional material widely used as a lubricant in many applications involving mechanical loading under a wide range of operating temperatures. Since many synthesis and processing techniques yield MoS 2 in its polycrystalline form, establishing grain boundary (GB) structure–property relations is key to designing MoS 2 microstructures with tailored properties. Here, we employ classical, reactive atomistic simulations to investigate the structure and mechanical behavior of a wide range of GBs in MoS 2 as a function of temperature. Using a bicrystal MoS 2 geometry, we characterize the atomic structure and calculate the energy of several low-angle GBs. Then, we simulate the tensile deformation behavior of MoS 2 bicrystals at several temperatures. Our results reveal that at temperatures above 100 K, the deformation of MoS 2 bicrystals is characterized by the nucleation of shear bands from GBs that grow, with subsequent loading, into the MoS 2 crystals. At low temperatures, the tensile deformation is characterized by the nucleation and propagation of deformation fronts, resulting in altered bond angles and bond lengths. Quantitative analysis reveals a decrease in the ultimate tensile stress and ultimate failure strain of MoS 2 bicrystals with the increase in temperature. Furthermore, our simulations of the mechanical behavior of metastable GBs reveal that the strength and ductility decrease with the increase in energy of these boundary structures. In broad terms, our work provides future avenues to employ GB engineering as a strategy to tailor the properties of MoS 2 microstructures.

Moore, Robert D. [Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (Uni↗

Radiation hardness of graphene and MoS{sub 2} field effect devices against swift heavy ion irradiation

We have investigated the deterioration of field effect transistors based on two-dimensional materials due to irradiation with swift heavy ions. Devices were prepared with exfoliated single layers of MoS{sub 2} and graphene, respectively. They were characterized before and after irradiation with 1.14 GeV U{sup 28+} ions using three different fluences. By electrical characterization, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, we show that the irradiation leads to significant changes of structural and electrical properties. At the highest fluence of 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 11} ions/cm{sup 2}, the MoS{sub 2} transistor is destroyed, while the graphene based device remains operational, albeit with an inferior performance.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Enhancing the photocurrent and photoluminescence of single crystal monolayer MoS{sub 2} with resonant plasmonic nanoshells

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS{sub 2}) produced by controlled vapor-phase synthesis is a commercially promising new two-dimensional material for optoelectronics because of its direct bandgap and broad absorption in the visible and ultraviolet regimes. By tuning plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles to the direct bandgap of monolayer MoS{sub 2} and depositing them sparsely (<1% coverage) onto the material's surface, we observe a threefold increase in photocurrent and a doubling of photoluminescence signal for both excitonic transitions, amplifying but not altering the intrinsic spectral response.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Tuning magnetism of monolayer MoS{sub 2} by doping vacancy and applying strain

In view of important role of inducing and manipulating the magnetism in two-dimensional materials for the development of low-dimensional spintronic devices, the influences of strain on electronic structure and magnetic properties of commonly observed vacancies doped monolayer MoS{sub 2} are investigated using first-principles calculations. It is shown that unstrained V{sub S}, V{sub S2}, and V{sub MoS3} doped monolayer MoS{sub 2} systems are nonmagnetic, while the ground state of unstrained V{sub MoS6} doped system is magnetic and the magnetic moment is contributed mainly by six Mo atoms around V{sub MoS6}. In particular, tensile strain can induce magnetic moments in V{sub S}, V{sub S2}, and V{sub MoS3} doped monolayer MoS{sub 2} due to the breaking of Mo–Mo metallic bonds around the vacancies, while the magnetization induced by V{sub MoS6} can be effectively manipulated by equibiaxial strain due to the change of Mo–Mo metallic bonds around V{sub MoS6} under strains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal conductivity of silicene from first-principles

Silicene, as a graphene-like two-dimensional material, now receives exceptional attention of a wide community of scientists and engineers beyond graphene. Despite extensive study on its electric property, little research has been done to accurately calculate the phonon transport of silicene so far. In this paper, thermal conductivity of monolayer silicene is predicted from first-principles method. At 300 K, the thermal conductivity of monolayer silicene is found to be 9.4 W/mK and much smaller than bulk silicon. The contributions from in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations to thermal conductivity are quantified, and the out-of-plane vibration contributes less than 10% of the overall thermal conductivity, which is different from the results of the similar studies on graphene. The difference is explained by the presence of small buckling, which breaks the reflectional symmetry of the structure. The flexural modes are thus not purely out-of-plane vibration and have strong scattering with other modes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thickness determination of few-layer hexagonal boron nitride films by scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy

We assess scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) for thickness measurements on few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), the layered dielectric of choice for integration with graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Observations on h-BN islands with large, atomically flat terraces show that the secondary electron intensity in SEM reflects monolayer height changes in films up to least 10 atomic layers thickness. From a quantitative analysis of AES data, the energy-dependent electron escape depth in h-BN films is deduced. The results show that AES is suitable for absolute thickness measurements of few-layer h-BN of 1 to 6 layers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Facile synthesis of MoS{sub 2} and Mo{sub x}W{sub 1-x}S{sub 2} triangular monolayers

Single- and few-layered transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS{sub 2} and WS{sub 2}, are emerging two-dimensional materials exhibiting numerous and unusual physico-chemical properties that could be advantageous in the fabrication of unprecedented optoelectronic devices. Here we report a novel and alternative route to synthesize triangular monocrystals of MoS{sub 2} and Mo{sub x}W{sub 1-x}S{sub 2} by annealing MoS{sub 2} and MoS{sub 2}/WO{sub 3} precursors, respectively, in the presence of sulfur vapor. In particular, the Mo{sub x}W{sub 1-x}S{sub 2} triangular monolayers show gradual concentration profiles of W and Mo whereby Mo concentrates in the islands’ center and W is more abundant on the outskirts of the triangular monocrystals. These observations were confirmed by atomic force microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, as well as Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The presence of tunable PL signals depending on the Mo{sub x}W{sub 1-x}S{sub 2} stoichiometries in 2D monocrystals opens up a wide range of applications in electronics and optoelectronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride films on nickel foils by molecular beam epitaxy

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a layered two-dimensional material with properties that make it promising as a dielectric in various applications. We report the growth of h-BN films on Ni foils from elemental B and N using molecular beam epitaxy. The presence of crystalline h-BN over the entire substrate is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy is used to examine the morphology and continuity of the synthesized films. A scanning electron microscopy study of films obtained using shorter depositions offers insight into the nucleation and growth behavior of h-BN on the Ni substrate. The morphology of h-BN was found to evolve from dendritic, star-shaped islands to larger, smooth triangular ones with increasing growth temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanism of charge transfer and its impacts on Fermi-level pinning for gas molecules adsorbed on monolayer WS{sub 2}

Density functional theory calculations were performed to assess changes in the geometric and electronic structures of monolayer WS{sub 2} upon adsorption of various gas molecules (H{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, NH{sub 3}, NO, NO{sub 2}, and CO). The most stable configuration of the adsorbed molecules, the adsorption energy, and the degree of charge transfer between adsorbate and substrate were determined. All evaluated molecules were physisorbed on monolayer WS{sub 2} with a low degree of charge transfer and accept charge from the monolayer, except for NH{sub 3}, which is a charge donor. Band structure calculations showed that the valence and conduction bands of monolayer WS{sub 2} are not significantly altered upon adsorption of H{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, NH{sub 3}, and CO, whereas the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of O{sub 2}, NO, and NO{sub 2} are pinned around the Fermi-level when these molecules are adsorbed on monolayer WS{sub 2}. The phenomenon of Fermi-level pinning was discussed in light of the traditional and orbital mixing charge transfer theories. The impacts of the charge transfer mechanism on Fermi-level pinning were confirmed for the gas molecules adsorbed on monolayer WS{sub 2}. The proposed mechanism governing Fermi-level pinning is applicable to the systems of adsorbates on recently developed two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗