Abstract
Most two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit more than one structural phase, leading to a number of remarkable physics and potential device applications beyond graphene. Here, we demonstrated a feasible route to trigger 2H-to-1T' phase transition in few-layer molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) by laser irradiation. The effects of laser power and irradiation duration were systematically studied in this study, revealing the accumulated heating effect as the main driving force for such a phase transition. By carefully adjusting laser power and irradiation time, we could control the structural phases of MoTe2 as 2H, 2H + 1T', and 1T'. After thermal annealing at a rather low temperature, the laser-irradiated MoTe2 showed a completely suppressed 2H component and a more stabilized 1T' phase, demonstrating that the microscopic origin of the irreversible 2H-to-1T' phase transition is the formation of Te vacancies in MoTe2 due to laser local instantaneous heating. Our findings together with the unique properties of MoTe2 pave the way for high-performance nanoelectronics and optoelectronics based on 2D TMDs and their heterostructures.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
