First principles study of structural, vibrational and electronic properties of graphene-like MX2 (M=Mo, Nb, W, Ta; X=S, Se, Te) monolayers

Using first principles calculations, we investigate the structural, vibrational and electronic structures of the monolayer graphene-like transition-metal dichalcogenide (MX₂) sheets. We find the lattice parameters and stabilities of the MX₂ sheets are mainly determined by the chalcogen atoms, while the electronic properties depend on the metal atoms. The NbS₂ and TaS₂ sheets have comparable energetic stabilities to the synthesized MoS₂ and WS₂ ones. The molybdenum and tungsten dichalcogenide (MoX₂ and WX₂) sheets have similar lattice parameters, vibrational modes, and electronic structures. These analogies also exist between the niobium and tantalum dichalcogenide (NbX₂ and TaX₂) sheets. However, the NbX₂ and TaX₂ sheets are metals, while the MoX₂ and WX₂ ones are semiconductors with direct-band gaps. When the Nb and Ta atoms are doped into the MoS₂ and WS₂ sheets, a semiconductor-to-metal transition occurs. Comparing to the bulk compounds, these monolayer sheets have similar structural parameters and properties, but their vibrational and electronic properties are varied and have special characteristics. Our results suggest that the graphene-like MX₂ sheets have potential applications in nano-electronics and nano-devices.