Effect of phase change in the layered VSx nanosheets for investigation of dielectric function and optical properties at the wavelength range of 10–20 μm

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized VSx transition metal chalcogenides by the hydrothermal method and changed some parameters (reaction time, synthesis temperature, and adding surfactant) in the synthesis process. In this work, the structure of samples has been analyzed (by x-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible, Fourier-transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscopy). The vanadium sulfide structure phase altered from VS4 to VS2 by increasing the time and temperature of the reaction. Based on Kramers–Kronig equations, the effect of changing synthesis parameters and sheet dimensions on optical and dielectric parameters was investigated. Different components of the complex refractive index and complex dielectric function are increased by decreasing sheet dimensions. Also, the position of transversal and longitudinal optical modes is shifted to lower wavenumbers by increasing sheet dimensions. Moreover, the real part of the dielectric function alters from negative to positive by sheet dimension’s alteration. This study demonstrates the great potential of vanadium sulfide compounds for optoelectronics applications.