Environmental Analysis with 2D Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide-Based Field-Effect Transistors

Field-effect transistors(FETs)present highly sensitive,rapid,and in situ detection capability in chemical and biological analysis.Recently,two-dimensional(2D)transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)attract significant attention as FET channel due to their unique structures and outstanding properties.With the booming of studies on TMDC FETs,we aim to give a timely review on TMDCbased FET sensors for environmental analysis in different media.First,theoretical basics on TMDC and FET sensor are introduced.Then,recent advances of TMDC FET sensor for pollutant detection in gaseous and aqueous media are,respectively,discussed.At last,future perspectives and challenges in practical application and commercialization are given for TMDC FET sensors.This article provides an overview on TMDC sensors for a wide variety of analytes with an emphasize on the increasing demand of advanced sensing technologies in environmental analysis.

Thermal properties of transition-metal dichalcogenide

Beyond graphene, the layered transition metal dichalcogenides （TMDs） have gained considerable attention due to their unique properties. Herein, we review the lattice dynamic and thermal properties of monolayer TMDs, including their phonon dispersion, relaxation time, mean free path （MFP）, and thermal conductivities. In particular, the experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the TMDs have relatively low thermal conductivities due to the short phonon group velocity and MFP, which poses a significant challenge for efficient thermal management of TMDs-based devices. Importantly, recent studies have shown that this issue could be largely addressed by connecting TMDs and other materials （such as metal electrode and graphene） with chemical bonds, and a relatively high interracial thermal conductance （ITC） could be achieved at the covalent bonded interface. The ITC of MoS2/Au interface with chemical edge contact is more than 10 times higher than that with physical side contact. In this article, we review recent advances in the study of TMD-related ITC. The effects of temperature, interfacial vacancy, contact orientation, and phonon modes on the edge-contacted interface are briefly discussed.

Optical two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy of excitons in transition-metal dichalcogenides

Exciton physics in atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)holds paramount importance for fundamental physics research and prospective applications.However,the experimental exploration of exciton physics,including excitonic coherence dynamics,exciton many-body interactions,and their optical properties,faces challenges stemming from factors such as spatial heterogeneity and intricate many-body effects.In this perspective,we elaborate upon how optical two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy(2DCS)emerges as an effective tool to tackle the challenges,and outline potential directions for gaining deeper insights into exciton physics in forthcoming experiments with the advancements in 2DCS techniques and new materials.

High-throughput screening of phase-engineered atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides for van der Waals contacts at the Schottky–Mott limit

A main challenge for the development of two-dimensional devices based on atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)is the realization of metal–semiconductor junctions(MSJs)with low contact resistance and high charge transport capability.However,traditional metal–TMD junctions usually suffer from strong Fermi-level pinning(FLP)and chemical disorder at the interfaces,resulting in weak device performance and high energy consump-tion.By means of high-throughput first-principles calculations,we report an attractive solution via the formation of van der Waals(vdW)contacts between metallic and semiconducting TMDs.We apply a phase-engineering strategy to create a monolayer TMD database for achieving a wide range of work func-tions and band gaps,hence offering a large degree of freedom to construct TMD vdW MSJs with desired contact types.The Schottky barrier heights and contact types of 728 MSJs have been identified and they exhibit weak FLP(-0.62 to-0.90)as compared with the traditional metal–TMD junctions.We find that the interfacial interactions of the MSJs bring a delicate competition between the FLP strength and carrier tunneling efficiency,which can be uti-lized to screen high-performance MSJs.Based on a set of screening criteria,four potential TMD vdW MSJs(e.g.,NiTe_(2)/ZrSe_(2),NiTe_(2)/PdSe_(2),HfTe_(2)/PdTe_(2),TaSe_(2)/MoTe_(2))with Ohmic contact,weak FLP,and high carrier tunneling probability have been predicted.This work not only provides a fundamental understanding of contact properties of TMD vdW MSJs but also renders their huge potential for electronics and optoelectronics.

Space-confined and substrate-directed synthesis of transition-metal dichalcogenide nanostructures with tunable dimensionality

Atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenide(TMDC) nanostructures are predicted to exhibit novel physical properties that make them attractive candidates for the fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, TMDCs tend to grow in the form of two-dimensional nanoplates(NPs) rather than one-dimensional nanoribbons(NRs) due to their native layered structure. Herein, we have developed a space-confined and substrate-directed chemical vapor deposition strategy for the controllable synthesis of WS2, WSe2, MoSe2, MoS2, WS2(1-x)Se2x NPs and NRs. TMDC NRs with lengths ranging from several micrometers to 100 μm have been obtained and the widths of TMDC NRs can be effectively tuned.Moreover, we found that TMDC NRs show different growth behaviors on van der Waals(vdW) and nonvd W substrates. The micro-nano structures, optical and electronic properties of synthesized TMDC NRs have been systematically investigated. This approach provides a general strategy for controllable synthesis of TMDC NRs, which makes these materials easily accessible as functional building blocks for novel optoelectronic devices.

Strong-coupling superconductivity induced by calcium intercalation in bilayer transition-metal dichalcogenides

We theoretically investigate the possibility of achieving a superconducting state in transition-metal dichalcogenide bilayers through intercalation, a process previously and widely used to achieve metal- lization and superconducting states in novel superconductors. For the Ca-intercalated bilayers MoSs and WS2, we find that the superconducting state is characterized by an electron-phonon coupling constant larger than 1.0 and a superconducting critical temperature of 13.3 and 9.3 K, respectively. These results are superior to other predicted or experimentally observed two-dimensional conventional ＇superconductors and suggest that the investigated materials may be good candidates for nanoscale su- perconductors. More interestingly, we proved that the obtained thermodynamic properties go beyond the predictions of the mean-field Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer approximation and that the calculations conducted within the framework of the strong-coupling Eliashberg theory should be treated as those that yield quantitative results.

Hidden spin polarization in the 1T-phase layered transition-metal dichalcogenides MX_2(M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se, Te)

The recent discovery of hidden spin polarization emerging in layered materials of specific nonmagnetic crystal is a fascinating phenomenon, though hardly explored yet. Here, we have studied hidden spin tex- tures in layered nonmagnetic 1 T-phase transition-metal dichalcogenides MX2 （M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se, Te） by using first-principles calculations. Spin-layer locking effect, namely, energy-degenerate opposite spins spatially separated in the top and bottom layer respectively, has been identified. In particular, the hidden spin polarization of 13-band can be easily probed, which is strongly affected by the strength of spin-orbit coupling. The hidden spin polarization of k-band locating at high symmetry M point （conduction band minimum） has a strong anisotropy. In the bilayer, the hidden spin polarization is preserved at the upmost Se layer, while being suppressed if the ZrSe2 layer is taken as the symmetry partner. Our results on hidden spin polarization in 1 T-phase dichalcogenides, verifiable by spin-resolved and angle-resolved photoemis- sion spectroscopy （ARPES）, enrich our understanding of spin physics and provide important clues to search for specific spin polarization in two dimensional materials for spintronic and quantum informa- tion applications.

Ordering phenomena in ternary transition-metal dichalcogenides:Critical role of lattice symmetry and vdW interaction

Concentrated solid solution materials with huge compositional design space and normally unexpected property attract extensive interests of researchers.In these emerging materials,local composition fluctuation such as short-range order(SRO),has been observed and found to have nontrivial effects on material properties,and thus can be utilized as an additional degree of freedom for material optimization.To exploit SRO,its interplay with factors beyond element-level property,including lattice symmetry and bonding environment,should be clarified.In this work by using layered transition-metal dichalcogenide Mo(X0.5X00.5)2(X/X0=O,S,Se,or Te)with mixed element in the non-metal sublattice as the platform,the ordering phenomena are systematically studied using multiscale simulations.As expected,electronegativity difference between X and X0 strongly regulates SRO.Additionally,SRO and long-range order(LRO)are observed in the 2H and T/T0 phase of MoXX0,respectively,indicating a strong influence of lattice symmetry on SRO.More importantly,as vdW interaction is introduced,the SRO structure in 2HMoXX0 bilayer can be re-configured,while the LRO in T/T0-MoXX0 remains unchanged.Electronic insights for SRO and the resultant property variation are obtained.This work presents a thorough understanding of SRO in bonding complex systems,benefiting the SRO-guided material designs.

Two-dimensional noble transition-metal dichalcogenides for nanophotonics and optoelectronics:Status and prospects

An emerging subclass of transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),noble-transition-metal dichalcogenides(NMDs),has led to an increase in nanoscientific research in two-dimensional(2D)materials.NMDs feature a unique structure and several useful properties.2D NMDs are promising candidates for a broad range of applications in areas such as photodetectors,phototransistors,saturable absorbers,and meta optics.In this review,the state of the art of 2D NMDs research,their structures,properties,synthesis,and potential applications are discussed,and a perspective of expected future developments is provided.

Synthesizability of transition-metal dichalcogenides:a systematic first-principles evaluation

Transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)are a class of materials with various useful properties,and it is worthwhile to have a thorough evaluation of the characteristics of the TMDs,most importantly,their structural stability and exfoliability,in a systematic fashion.Here,by employing high-throughput first-principles calculations,we investigate the vast phase space of TMDs,including 16 bulk phases and 6 monolayer phases for all possible TMD combinations[comprising(3d,4d,5d)transition-metal cations and(S,Se,Te)anions],totaling 1386 compounds.Through the‘bird-view’of the as-large-as-possible configurational and chemical space of TMDs,our work presents comprehensive energy landscapes to elucidate the thermodynamic stability as well as the exfoliability of TMDs,which are of vital importance for future synthesis and exploration towards large-scale industrial applications.

Phase-Controlled 1T Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide-Based Multidimensional Hybrid Nanostructures

Metallic-phase transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)exhibit unusual physicochemical properties compared with their semiconducting counterparts.However,they are thermodynamically unstable to access and it is even more challenging to construct their metastable-phase heterostructures.Herein,we demonstrate a general solution protocol for phase-controlled synthesis of distorted octahedral 1T WS2-based(1T structure denotes an octahedral coordination for W atom)multidimensional hybrid nanostructures from two-dimensional(2D),one-dimensional(1D),and zero-dimensional(0D)templates.This is realized by tuning the reactivity of tungsten precursor and the interaction between crystal surface and ligands.As a conceptual study on crystal phase-and dimensionality-dependent applications,we find that the three-dimensional(3D)hierarchical architectures achieved,comprising 1T WS2 and 2D Ni3S4,are very active and stable for catalyzing hydrogen evolution.Our results open up a new way to rationally design phase-controlled nanostructures with increased complexity and more elaborate functionalities.

Atomically Substitutional Engineering of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Layers for Enhancing Tailored Properties and Superior Applications

Transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)are a promising class of layered materials in the post-graphene era,with extensive research attention due to their diverse alternative elements and fascinating semiconductor behavior.Binary MX2 layers with different metal and/or chalcogen elements have similar structural parameters but varied optoelectronic properties,providing opportunities for atomically substitutional engineering via partial alteration of metal or/and chalcogenide atoms to produce ternary or quaternary TMDs.The resulting multinary TMD layers still maintain structural integrity and homogeneity while achieving tunable(opto)electronic properties across a full range of composition with arbitrary ratios of introduced metal or chalcogen to original counterparts(0–100%).Atomic substitution in TMD layers offers new adjustable degrees of freedom for tailoring crystal phase,band alignment/structure,carrier density,and surface reactive activity,enabling novel and promising applications.This review comprehensively elaborates on atomically substitutional engineering in TMD layers,including theoretical foundations,synthetic strategies,tailored properties,and superior applications.The emerging type of ternary TMDs,Janus TMDs,is presented specifically to highlight their typical compounds,fabrication methods,and potential applications.Finally,opportunities and challenges for further development of multinary TMDs are envisioned to expedite the evolution of this pivotal field.

Lewis acid-doped transition metal dichalcogenides for ultraviolet–visible photodetectors

Ultraviolet photodetectors(UV PDs)are widely used in civilian,scientific,and military fields due to their high sensitivity and low false alarm rates.We present a temperature-dependent Lewis acid p-type doping method for transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),which can effectively be used to extend the optical response range.The p-type doping based on surface charge transfer involves the chemical adsorption of the Lewis acid SnCl_(4)as a light absorption layer on the surface of WS_(2),significantly enhancing its UV photodetection performance.Under 365 nm laser irradiation,WS_(2)PDs exhibit response speed of 24 ms/20 ms,responsivity of 660 mA/W,detectivity of 3.3×10^(11)Jones,and external quantum efficiency of 226%.Moreover,we successfully apply this doping method to other TMDs materials(such as MoS_(2),MoSe_(2),and WSe_(2))and fabricate WS_(2) lateral p–n heterojunction PDs.

Pulsed laser interference patterning of transition-metal carbides for stable alkaline water electrolysis kinetics

We investigated the role of metal atomization and solvent decomposition into reductive species and carbon clusters in the phase formation of transition-metal carbides(TMCs;namely,Co_(3)C,Fe_(3)C,TiC,and MoC)by pulsed laser ablation of Co,Fe,Ti,and Mo metals in acetone.The interaction between carbon s-p-orbitals and metal d-orbitals causes a redistribution of valence structure through charge transfer,leading to the formation of surface defects as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.These defects influence the evolved TMCs,making them effective for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions(HER and OER)in an alkaline medium.Co_(3)C with more oxygen affinity promoted CoO(OH)intermediates,and the electrochemical surface oxidation to Co_(3)O_(4)was captured via in situ/operando electrochemical Raman probes,increasing the number of active sites for OER activity.MoC with more d-vacancies exhibits strong hydrogen binding,promoting HER kinetics,whereas Fe_(3)C and TiC with more defect states to trap charge carriers may hinder both OER and HER activities.The results show that the assembled membrane-less electrolyzer with Co_(3)C∥Co_(3)C and MoC∥MoC electrodes requires~2.01 and 1.99 V,respectively,to deliver a 10 mA cm−2 with excellent electrochemical and structural stability.In addition,the ascertained pulsed laser synthesis mechanism and unit-cell packing relations will open up sustainable pathways for obtaining highly stable electrocatalysts for electrolyzers.

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, other 2D 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.

Electronic structures and elastic properties of monolayer and bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides MX_2(M= Mo,W;X= O,S,Se,Te):A comparative first-principles study

First-principle calculations with different exchange-correlation functionals, including LDA, PBE, and vd W-DF functional in the form of opt B88-vd W, have been performed to investigate the electronic and elastic properties of twodimensional transition metal dichalcogenides（TMDCs） with the formula of MX2（M = Mo, W; X = O, S, Se, Te） in both monolayer and bilayer structures. The calculated band structures show a direct band gap for monolayer TMDCs at the K point except for MoO2 and WO2. When the monolayers are stacked into a bilayer, the reduced indirect band gaps are found except for bilayer WTe2, in which the direct gap is still present at the K point. The calculated in-plane Young moduli are comparable to that of graphene, which promises possible application of TMDCs in future flexible and stretchable electronic devices. We also evaluated the performance of different functionals including LDA, PBE, and opt B88-vd W in describing elastic moduli of TMDCs and found that LDA seems to be the most qualified method. Moreover, our calculations suggest that the Young moduli for bilayers are insensitive to stacking orders and the mechanical coupling between monolayers seems to be negligible.

Dioxygen Affinities and Catalytic Epoxidation Performanceof Transition-Metal Hydroxamates

The dioxygen affinities and catalytic epoxidation performance of transition-metal hydroxamates were investigated for the first time. The effects of substituents on these properties were also discussed in the paper.

Electronic structure of transition metal dichalcogenides PdTe_2 and Cu_(0.05)PdTe_2 superconductors obtained by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

The layered transition metal chalcogenides have been a fertile land in solid state physics for many decades. Various MX2-type transition metal dichalcogenides, such as WTe2, IrTe2, and MoS2, have triggered great attention recently, either for the discovery of novel phenomena or some extreme or exotic physical properties, or for their potential applications. PdTe2 is a superconductor in the class of transition metal dichalcogenides, and superconductivity is enhanced in its Cu- intercalated form, Cuo.05PdTe2. It is important to study the electronic structures of PdTe2 and its intercalated form in order to explore for new phenomena and physical properties and understand the related superconductivity enhancement mecha- nism. Here we report systematic high resolution angle-resolved photoemission （ARPES） studies on PdTe2 and Cuo.05PdTe2 single crystals, combined with the band structure calculations. We present in detail for the first time the complex multi-band Fermi surface topology and densely-arranged band structure of these compounds. By carefully examining the electronic structures of the two systems, we find that Cu-intercalation in PdTe2 results in electron-doping, which causes the band structure to shift downwards by nearly 16 meV in Cuo.05PdTe2. Our results lay a foundation for further exploration and investigation on PdTe2 and related superconductors.

Layered transition-metal hydroxides for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen is a promising sustainable energy to replace fossil fuels owning to its high specific energy and environmental friendliness.Alkaline water electrolysis has been considered as one of the most prospective technologies for large scale hydrogen production.To boost the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in alkaline media,abundant materials have been designed and fabricated.Herein,we summarize the key achievements in the development of layered transition-metal hydroxides[TM(OH)x]for efficient alkaline HER.Based on the structure of TM(OH)x,the mechanism of synergistic effect between TM(OH)x and HER active materials is illuminated firstly.Then,recent progress of TM(OH)x-based HER catalysts to optimize the synergistic effect are categorized as TM(OH)x and active materials,including species,structure,morphology and interaction relationship.Furthermore,TM(OH)x-based overall water splitting electrocatalysts and electrodes are summarized in the design principles for high activity and stability.Finally,some of key challenges for further developments and applications of hydrogen production are proposed.

Effects of in-plane stiffness and charge transfer on thermal expansion of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide

The temperature dependence of lattice constants is studied by using first-principles calculations to determine the effects of in-plane stiffness and charge transfer on the thermal expansions of monolayer semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides.Unlike the corresponding bulk material,our simulations show that monolayer MX2（M = Mo and W;X = S,Se,and Te） exhibits a negative thermal expansion at low temperatures,induced by the bending modes.The transition from contraction to expansion at higher temperatures is observed.Interestingly,the thermal expansion can be tailored regularly by alteration of the M or X atom.Detailed analysis shows that the positive thermal expansion coefficient is determined mainly by the in-plane stiffness,which can be expressed by a simple relationship.Essentially the regularity of this change can be attributed to the difference in charge transfer between the different elements.These findings should be applicable to other two-dimensional systems.