Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanoribbons are reported to exhibit interesting properties distinctly different from their 2-dimensional (2D) analogues, including a change of transport properties depending on the edge structure, enhanced exciton correlation effect and thermoelectric property. However, no facile approach has been reported for their large-scale fabrication. Here we report a successful preparation method for large arrays of 2D TMDC nanoribbons, using a reducing agent aqueous etchant. This method is a simple and tunable way for generating TMDC (e.g. molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2)) nanoribbons from chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown 2D TMDCs on Si/SiO2. The reducing agent converts Mo(IV) from the defect sites in the TMDC layer to a lower oxidation state, thus disturbing the structure and expanding the defected regions. Water acts as a detaching and tearing medium that pulls the TMDC flake into nanoribbons. The area of conversion, density, and thickness of the nanoribbons can be tuned by concentration and potency of the etchant. The 2D nanoribbons possess high structural integrity, zigzag edges with chalcogen termination, and a bandgap of 1.82 eV. This method allows a scalable approach for 2D nanoribbons to be prepared for various opto-electronic applications.

Etching of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers into nanoribbon arrays

256th National Meeting (2018)

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