Topology of transition metal dichalcogenides: The case of the core-shell architecture

Jennifer G. Distefano, Akshay A. Murthy, Shiqiang Hao, Roberto Dos Reis, Chris Wolverton, Vinayak P. Dravid*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Non-planar architectures of the traditionally flat 2D materials are emerging as an intriguing paradigm to realize nascent properties within the family of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These non-planar forms encompass a diversity of curvatures, morphologies, and overall 3D architectures that exhibit unusual characteristics across the hierarchy of length-scales. Topology offers an integrated and unified approach to describe, harness, and eventually tailor non-planar architectures through both local and higher order geometry. Topological design of layered materials intrinsically invokes elements highly relevant to property manipulation in TMDs, such as the origin of strain and its accommodation by defects and interfaces, which have broad implications for improved material design. In this review, we discuss the importance and impact of geometry on the structure and properties of TMDs. We present a generalized geometric framework to classify and relate the diversity of possible non-planar TMD forms. We then examine the nature of curvature in the emerging core-shell architecture, which has attracted high interest due to its versatility and design potential. We consider the local structure of curved TMDs, including defect formation, strain, and crystal growth dynamics, and factors affecting the morphology of core-shell structures, such as synthesis conditions and substrate morphology. We conclude by discussing unique aspects of TMD architectures that can be leveraged to engineer targeted, exotic properties and detail how advanced characterization tools enable detection of these features. Varying the topology of nanomaterials has long served as a potent methodology to engineer unusual and exotic properties, and the time is ripe to apply topological design principles to TMDs to drive future nanotechnology innovation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23897-23919
Number of pages23
JournalNanoscale
Volume12
Issue number47
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 21 2020

Funding

This material is based upon work primarily supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DMR-1929356. This work is also partially supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Award No. FA9550‐12‐ 1‐0280. S. H. and C. W. acknowledge funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (Award No. 70NANB14H012), as part of the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (ChiMaD). This work made use of the EPIC facility of Northwestern University’s NUANCE Center, which has received support from the SHyNE Resource (NSF-ECCS 2025633), the IIN, and Northwestern’s MRSEC program (NSF DMR-1720139). A. A. M. gratefully acknowledges support from the Ryan Fellowship and the IIN at Northwestern University. The authors thank Dr. Wenjie Zhou and Dr. Haixin Lin for providing TiO2 nanoparticles and Dr. Xiaomi Zhang for TEM expertise.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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