Topological nature of in‐gap bound states in disordered large‐gap monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

We propose a physical model based on disordered (a hole punched inside a material) monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to demonstrate a large‐gap quantum valley Hall insulator. We find an emergence of bound states lying inside the bulk gap of the TMDs. They are strongly affected by spin–valley coupling, rest‐ and kinetic‐mass terms and the hole size. In addition, in the whole range of the hole size, at least two in‐gap bound states with opposite angular momentum, circulating around the edge of the hole, exist.Their topological insulator (TI) feature is analyzed by the Chern number, characterized by spacial distribution of their probabilities and confirmed by energy dispersion curves (energy vs. angular momentum). It not only sheds light on overcoming low‐temperature operating limitation of existing narrow‐gap TIs, but also opens an opportunity to realize valley‐ and spin‐qubits. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Recent developments in CVD growth and applications of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with fascinating electronic energy band structures, rich valley physical properties and strong spin–orbit coupling have attracted tremendous interest, and show great potential in electronic, optoelectronic, spintronic and valleytronic fields. Stacking 2D TMDs have provided unprecedented opportunities for constructing artificial functional structures. Due to the low cost, high yield and industrial compatibility, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is regarded as one of the most promising growth strategies to obtain high-quality and large-area 2D TMDs and heterostructures. Here, state-of-the-art strategies for preparing TMDs details of growth control and related heterostructures construction via CVD method are reviewed and discussed, including wafer-scale synthesis, phase transition, doping, alloy and stacking engineering. Meanwhile, recent progress on the application of multi-functional devices is highlighted based on 2D TMDs. Finally, challenges and prospects are proposed for the practical device applications of 2D TMDs.     

Temperature dependence of the excitonic spectra of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

We theoretically study the temperature dependence of the excitonic spectra of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides using the O′Donnell equation, \({E_g}(T) = {E_g}(0) - S\langle \hbar \omega \rangle [cloth(\frac{{\hbar \omega }}{{2{k_B}T}} - 1)]\). We develop a theoretical model for the quantitative estimation of the Huang–Rhys factor S and average phonon energy \(\langle \hbar \omega \rangle \) based on exciton coupling with longitudinal optical and acoustic phonons in the Fröhlich and deformation potential mechanisms, respectively. We present reasonable explanations for the fitted values of the Huang–Rhys factor and average phonon energy adopted in experiments. Comparison with experimental results reveals that the temperature dependence of the peak position in the excitonic spectra can be well reproduced by modulating the polarization parameter and deformation potential constant.     

A metal-semiconductor transition triggered by atomically flat zigzag edge in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides

Due to the structure of three stacked layers, monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is different from graphene. Creating atomically flat graphene-like edges in them has long been expected, which is crucial to the modulation of electronic structures in two-dimensional systems. Recently, by thermal annealing, Chen et al. [21] successfully synthesized atomically flat Mo-terminated edge in monolayer MoS₂. Inspired by this, through first-principles calculations, we studied the electronic and transport properties of typical TMD monolayers with transition atom-terminated flat zigzag edges, i.e., ScS₂, VS₂, CrS₂, FeS₂, NiS₂, MoS₂ and WS₂. It is found that the nanoribbons with and without flat edges are both metallic. Interestingly, the vacancy in the flat edge could open a transmission gap at the Fermi level in the ScS₂ ribbon, and trigger a metal-semiconductor transition. Further analysis shows that, the opening of bandgap around the Fermi level induced by the specific pattern of vacancies is the mechanism behind, which could be used as an modulating method for electronic structures. We believe our results are quite beneficial for the development of many other monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides configurations, showing great application potential.     

Defect repairing in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides

Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have stimulated enormous research interest due to rich phase structure, high theoretical carrier mobility and layer-dependent bandgap. In view of the close correlation between defects and properties in 2D TMDCs, more attentions have been paid on the defect engineering in recent years, however the mechanism is still unclear. Herein, we review the critical progress of defect engineering and provide an extensive way to modulate the properties depressed by defects. To insight into the defect engineering, we firstly introduce two common kinds of defects during the growth progress of TMDCs and the possible distribution of energy levels those defects could induce. Then, various methods to improve point defects and grain boundaries during the period of growth are discussed intensively, with the assistance of which more large-area TMDCs films can be obtained. Considering the defects in TMDCs are inevitable regardless of concentration, we also highlight strategies to heal the defects after growth. Through dry methods or wet methods, the chalcogen vacancies can be repaired and thus, the performance of electronic device would be significantly enhanced. Finally, we propose the challenges and prospective for defect engineering in 2D TMDCs materials to support the optimization of device and lead them to wide applied fields.     

高压下过渡金属二硫属化物的超导电性

过渡金属二硫属化物是一类典型的二维类石墨烯层状结构的材料,相比于石墨烯的全碳元素组成以及无带隙的电子结构特点,具有更丰富的元素组成、多样的微观结构和奇异的物理性质。过渡金属二硫属化物强烈的各向异性以及在催化、光伏器件和储能材料等领域的优异表现,引起了科学家们浓厚的研究兴趣。它们的层间范德瓦耳斯间隙、层间范德瓦耳斯相互作用、层间堆垛次序对压力非常敏感,易于通过压力调控其晶体结构和电子能带结构,进而发生电子基态的变化。过渡金属二硫属化物的电子基态可以是莫特绝缘体、激子绝缘体、电荷密度波、半导体、(拓扑)半金属、金属,甚至是超导体。在常压条件下,部分过渡金属二硫属化物具有超导电性。实验表明,压力可以诱导过渡金属二硫属化物非超导母体发生超导转变,或者提高超导母体的超导转变温度。文章以典型的过渡金属二硫属化物为例,概述了其在高压调控下超导电性的响应,并简要讨论产生超导电性的物理机制。     

Metal substrates-induced phase transformation of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides for hydrogen evolution catalysis

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides can normally exist in several structural polymorphs with distinct electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. Effective control of the relative stability and transformation of different phases in these materials is thus of critical importance for applications. Using density functional theory calculations, we investigate the effects of low-work-function metal substrates including Ti, Zr, and Hf on the structural, electronic, and catalytic properties of monolayer MoS₂ and WS₂. The results indicate that such substrates not only convert the energetically stable structure from the 1H phase to the 1T'/1T phase, but also significantly reduce the kinetic barriers of the phase transformation. Furthermore, our calculations also indicate that the 1T' phase of MoS₂ with Zr or Hf substrate is a potential catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.     

Photodetectors based on junctions of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides

Transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs) have gained considerable attention because of their novel properties and great potential applications. The flakes of TMDCs not only have great light absorption from visible to near infrared, but also can be stacked together regardless of lattice mismatch like other two-dimensional(2D) materials. Along with the studies on intrinsic properties of TMDCs, the junctions based on TMDCs become more and more important in applications of photodetection. The junctions have shown many exciting possibilities to fully combine the advantages of TMDCs, other2 D materials, conventional and organic semiconductors together. Early studies have greatly enriched the application of TMDCs in photodetection. In this review, we investigate the efforts in photodetectors based on the junctions of TMDCs and analyze the properties of those photodetectors. Homojunctions based on TMDCs can be made by surface chemical doping,elemental doping and electrostatic gating. Heterojunction formed between TMDCs/2D materials, TMDCs/conventional semiconductors and TMDCs/organic semiconductor also deserve more attentions. We also compare the advantages and disadvantages of different junctions, and then give the prospects for the development of junctions based on TMDCs.     

Strain effects on phase transitions in transition metal dichalcogenides

We perform density functional theory calculation to investigate the structural and electronic properties of various two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, MX₂ (M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, or W, and X=S or Se), and their strain-induced phase transitions. We evaluate the relative stability and the activation barrier between the octahedral-T and the trigonal-H phases of each MX₂. It is found that the equilibrium and phase transition characteristics of MX₂ can be classified by the group to which its metal element M belongs in the periodic table. MX₂ with M in the group 4 (Ti, Zr, or Hf), forms an octahedral-T phase, while that with an M in the group 6 (Cr, Mo, or W) does a trigonal-H phase. On the other hand, MX₂ with M in the group 5 (V, Nb, or Ta), which is in-between the groups 4 and 6, may form either phase with a similar stability. It is also found that their electronic structures are strongly correlated to the structural configurations: mostly metallic in the T phase, while semiconducting in the H phase, although there are some exceptions. We also explore the effects of an applied stress and find for some MX₂ materials that the resultant strain, either tensile or compressive, may induce a structural phase transition by reducing the transition energy barrier, which is, in some cases, accompanied by its metal-insulator transition.     

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) heterostructures: Optoelectric properties

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have suitable and adjustable band gaps, high carrier mobility and yield. Layered TMDCs have attracted great attention due to the structure diversity, stable existence in normal temperature environment and the band gap corresponding to wavelength between infrared and visible region. The ultra-thin, flat, almost defect-free surface, excellent mechanical flexibility and chemical stability provide convenient conditions for the construction of different types of TMDCs heterojunctions. The optoelectric properties of heterojunctions based on TMDCs materials are summarized in this review. Special electronic band structures of TMDCs heterojunctions lead to excellent optoelectric properties. The emitter, p-n diodes, photodetectors and photosensitive devices based on TMDCs heterojunction materials show excellent performance. These devices provide a prototype for the design and development of future high-performance optoelectric devices.     

氢化二维过渡金属硫化物的稳定性和电子特性:第一性原理研究

用氢对单层二维过渡金属硫化物(TMDs)进行功能化是调节单层TMDs电子性质的既有效又经济的方法.采用密度泛函理论,对单层TMDs (MX_2 (M=Mo, W; X=S, Se, Te))的稳定性和电子性质进行理论研究,发现在单层MX_2 的层间有一个比其表面更稳定的氢吸附位点.当同阳离子时,随着阴离子原子序数的增加, H原子与MX_2 层的结合越强,氢化单层MX_2 结构越稳定;相反,同阴离子时,随着阳离子原子序数的增加, H原子与MX_2 层的结合越弱.氢原子从MoS_2的表面经层间穿越到另一表面的扩散势垒约为0.9 eV.氢化对单层MX_2 的电子特性也会产生极大的影响,主要表现在氢化实现了MX_2 体系从无磁性到磁性体系的过渡.表面氢化会使MX_2 层的带隙急剧减小,而层间氢化使MX_2 的电子结构从半导体转变为金属能带.     

过渡金属硫族化合物柔性基底体系的模型与应用

柔性基底体系是晶体外延生长领域于20世纪90年代提出的概念.其核心思想是利用超薄的基底,使其在外延生长时能同时与外延晶膜发生应变,以抵消二者之间的晶格失配,从而减少外延晶膜中的位错,提高晶膜的质量.但是人工制备性能优良的超薄基底往往需要较为复杂的工艺.另一方面,过渡金属硫族化合物由于其层状结构特性和层间较弱的范德瓦耳斯相互作用,是天然的柔性基底.本文介绍近几年来新发展的过渡金属硫族化合物柔性基底体系的模型及应用.以Au-MoS₂作为柔性基底外延生长的原型,结合密度泛函理论、线性弹性理论以及位错理论构建模型,并根据计算结果解释了早先利用透射电子显微镜观测到的Au薄膜在MoS₂上外延生长的相关实验现象.此外,本文还介绍了受到该理论模型启发的相关实验工作,特别是利用Au薄膜分离大面积、单层、高质量MoS₂的技术.最后,讨论了在该领域内值得关注和进一步探索的理论问题.     

Review of ultrafast spectroscopy studies of valley carrier dynamics in two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides

The two-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides provide new opportunities in future valley-based information processing and also provide an ideal platform to study excitonic effects. At the center of various device physics toward their possible electronic and optoelectronic applications is understanding the dynamical evolution of various manyparticle electronic states, especially exciton which dominates the optoelectronic response of TMDs, under the novel context of valley degree of freedom. Here, we provide a brief review of experimental advances in using helicity-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy, especially ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy, to study the dynamical evolution of valley-related many-particle electronic states in semiconducting monolayer transitional metal dichalcogenides.     

Interlayer coupling effect in van der Waals heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides

Van der Waals(vdW)heterobilayers formed by two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)created a promising platform for various electronic and optical properties,ab initio band results indicate that the band offset of type-Ⅱband alignment in TMDCs vdW heterobilayer could be tuned by introducing Janus WSSe monolayer,instead of an external electric field.On the basis of symmetry analysis,the allowed interlayer hopping channels of TMDCs vdW heterobilayer were determined,and a four-level k·p model was developed to obtain the interlayer hopping.Results indicate that the interlayer coupling strength could be tuned by interlayer electric polarization featured by various band offsets.Moreover,the difference in the formation mechanism of interlayer valley excitons in different TMDCs vdW heterobilayers with various interlayer hopping strength was also clarified.     

Improving the device performances of two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides: Three strategies

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are emerging as promising candidates for the next-generation nanoelectronics. As a type of unique channel materials, 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as MoS₂ and WS₂, exhibit great potential for the state-of-the-art field-effect transistors owing to their atomically thin thicknesses, dangling-band free surfaces, and abundant band structures. Even so, the device performances of 2D semiconducting TMDCs are still failing to reach the theoretical values so far, which is attributed to the intrinsic defects, excessive doping, and daunting contacts between electrodes and channels. In this article, we review the up-to-date three strategies for improving the device performances of 2D semiconducting TMDCs: (i) the controllable synthesis of wafer-scale 2D semiconducting TMDCs single crystals to reduce the evolution of grain boundaries, (ii) the ingenious doping of 2D semiconducting TMDCs to modulate the band structures and suppress the impurity scatterings, and (iii) the optimization design of interfacial contacts between electrodes and channels to reduce the Schottky barrier heights and contact resistances. In the end, the challenges regarding the improvement of device performances of 2D semiconducting TMDCs are highlighted, and the further research directions are also proposed. We believe that this review is comprehensive and insightful for downscaling the electronic devices and extending the Moore’s law.     

Electronic and optical properties of van der Waals vertical heterostructures based on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides: First-principles calculations

Four vertical heterostructures based on two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) – MoS₂/GeC, MoSe₂/GeC, WS₂/GeC, and WSe₂/GeC, were studied by density functional theory calculations to investigate their structure, electronic characteristics, principle of photogenerated electron–hole separation, and optical-absorption capability. The optimized heterostructures were formed by van der Waals (vdW) forces and without covalent bonding. Their most stable geometric configurations and band structures display type-II band alignment, which allows them to spontaneously separate photogenerated electrons and holes. The charge difference and built-in electric field across the interface of these vdW heterostructures also contribute to preventing the photogenerated electron–hole recombination. Finally, the high optical absorption of the four TMD-based vdW heterostructures in the visible and near-infrared regions indicates their suitability for photocatalytic, photovoltaic, and optical devices.     

Bandgap opening in MoTe2 thin flakes induced by surface oxidation

Recently, the layered transition metal dichalcogenide 1T′-MoTe₂ has generated considerable interest due to their superconducting and non-trivial topological properties. Here, we present a systematic study on 1T′-MoTe₂ single-crystal and exfoliated thin-flakes by means of electrical transport, scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) measurements and band structure calculations. For a bulk sample, it exhibits large magneto-resistance (MR) and Shubnikov–de Hass oscillations in ρ_xx and a series of Hall plateaus in ρ_xy at low temperatures. Meanwhile, the MoTe₂ thin films were intensively investigated with thickness dependence. For samples, without encapsulation, an apparent transition from the intrinsic metallic to insulating state is observed by reducing thickness. In such thin films, we also observed a suppression of the MR and weak anti-localization (WAL) effects. We attributed these effects to disorders originated from the extrinsic surface chemical reaction, which is consistent with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in-situ STM results. In contrast to samples without encapsulated protection, we discovered an interesting superconducting transition for those samples with hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) film protection. Our results indicate that the metallic or superconducting behavior is its intrinsic state, and the insulating behavior is likely caused by surface oxidation in few layer 1T′-MoTe₂ flakes.     

Laser control of magneto-polaron in transition metal dichalcogenides triangular quantum well

We study the dynamic of magneto-polaron condensate in monolayer two dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials of 2H types in triangular quantum well potential. Within both the quantum mechanical Schrödinger approach (QMSA) and the improved Wigner-Brillouin theory (IWBT), Landau energies levels (LELs) are derived. We have shown that the magneto-polaron condensation is enhanced in monolayer MoSe₂ compared to MoS₂, WS₂ and WSe₂. We derive various levels by increasing a magnetic field and laser parameter. We show that the quantum confinement lifts the degeneracy of the Landau levels (LLs) resulting in an anticrossing and crossing. The dephasing effect due to the quantum well potential's parameter plays an important role in the magneto-polaron energy corrections, which are also affected by the amplitude of the laser field. The system presents Stückelberg oscillations which is important for practical applications.     

Optical second-harmonic generation of Janus MoSSe monolayer

The transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) monolayers have shown strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) owing to their lack of inversion symmetry. These ultrathin layers then serve as the frequency converters that can be intergraded on a chip. Here, taking MoSSe as an example, we report the first detailed experimental study of the SHG of Janus TMD monolayer, in which the transition metal layer is sandwiched by the two distinct chalcogen layers. It is shown that the SHG effectively arises from an in-plane second-harmonic polarization under paraxial focusing and detection. Based on this, the orientation-resolved SHG spectroscopy is realized to readily determine the zigzag and armchair axes of the Janus crystal with an accuracy better than ±0.6°. Moreover, the SHG intensity is wavelength-dependent and can be greatly enhanced (～ 60 times) when the two-photon transition is resonant with the C-exciton state. Our findings uncover the SHG properties of Janus MoSSe monolayer, therefore lay the basis for its integrated frequency-doubling applications.