Atomically thin layers of MoS2 via a two step thermal evaporation-exfoliation method

Nanoscale. 2012 Jan 21;4(2):461-6. doi: 10.1039/c1nr10803d. Epub 2011 Nov 7.

Abstract

Two dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) has recently become of interest to semiconductor and optic industries. However, the current methods for its synthesis require harsh environments that are not compatible with standard fabrication processes. We report on a facile synthesis method of layered MoS(2) using a thermal evaporation technique, which requires modest conditions. In this process, a mixture of MoS(2) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO(2)) is produced by evaporating sulfur powder and molybdenum trioxide (MoO(3)) nano-particles simultaneously. Further annealing in a sulfur-rich environment transforms majority of the excess MoO(2) into layered MoS(2). The deposited MoS(2) is then mechanically exfoliated into minimum resolvable atomically thin layers, which are characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore Raman spectroscopy is employed to determine the effect of electrochemical lithium ion exposure on atomically thin layers of MoS(2).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Disulfides / chemical synthesis*
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molybdenum
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Disulfides
  • Gases
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Molybdenum
  • molybdenum disulfide