The Recent Progress of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and Their Phase Transition

Abstract

Graphene is attracting much attention in condensed matter physics and material science in the two-dimensional(2D) system due to its special structure, and mechanical and electronic properties. However, the lack of electronic bandgap and uncontrollable phase structure greatly limit its application in semiconductors, such as power conversion devices, optoelectronic devices, transistors, etc. During the past few decades, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with much more phase structures have attracted intensive research interest in fundamental studies and practical applications for energy storage, as catalysts, and in piezoelectricity, energy harvesting, electronics, optoelectronic, and spintronics. The controllable phase transition also provides another degree of freedom to pave the way for more novel devices. In this review, we introduce the abundant phase structures of 2D-TMDs, including 2H, 1T, 1T’ and charge density waves, and highlight the corresponding attractive properties and applications of each phase. In addition, all the possible methods to trigger the phase transition in TMDs are systematically introduced, including strain engineering, electron doping, alloying, thermal, electric field, and chemical absorption. Finally, the outlook of future opportunities in TMD phase transitions and the corresponding challenges, including both the synthesis and applications, are also addressed.

Research progress of transition-metal dichalcogenides for the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…Based on these common phases, due to the change in the charge density wave of the material with temperature and pressure, TMDs may also present phases with more complex structures, which sometimes can exhibit excellent physical properties. 82…”

A Mini Review: Phase Regulation for Molybdenum Dichalcogenide Nanomaterials

“…Different phase structures lead to huge disparity in the properties of the TMDC nanomaterials [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. For example, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) exhibits all three phase structures.…”

Recent Advances in Molybdenum Disulfide and Its Nanocomposites for Energy Applications: Challenges and Development

“…Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a group of 2D materials that are made up of a transition metal atom like molybdenum or tungsten sandwiched between two layers of chalcogen atoms, such as sulfur or selenium. They display distinctive features in terms of their electrical, optical, and mechanical characteristics, which make them highly potential materials for applications in electronics [ 21 ], bio-applications [ 22 ], topological spintronics [ 23 ], optoelectronics [ 24 ], energy storage [ 25 ], and energy conversion devices [ 26 ]. Over the years, researchers have successfully synthesized stable TMDCs using a variety of methods like chemical vapor deposition (CVD), chemical exfoliation, and solvothermal synthesis.…”