van der Waals epitaxy of MoS₂ layers using graphene as growth templates

Nano Lett. 2012 Jun 13;12(6):2784-91. doi: 10.1021/nl204562j. Epub 2012 Jun 1.

Abstract

We present a method for synthesizing MoS(2)/Graphene hybrid heterostructures with a growth template of graphene-covered Cu foil. Compared to other recent reports, (1, 2) a much lower growth temperature of 400 °C is required for this procedure. The chemical vapor deposition of MoS(2) on the graphene surface gives rise to single crystalline hexagonal flakes with a typical lateral size ranging from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers. The precursor (ammonium thiomolybdate) together with solvent was transported to graphene surface by a carrier gas at room temperature, which was then followed by post annealing. At an elevated temperature, the precursor self-assembles to form MoS(2) flakes epitaxially on the graphene surface via thermal decomposition. With higher amount of precursor delivered onto the graphene surface, a continuous MoS(2) film on graphene can be obtained. This simple chemical vapor deposition method provides a unique approach for the synthesis of graphene heterostructures and surface functionalization of graphene. The synthesized two-dimensional MoS(2)/Graphene hybrids possess great potential toward the development of new optical and electronic devices as well as a wide variety of newly synthesizable compounds for catalysts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molybdenum / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Static Electricity
  • Sulfur / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Sulfur
  • Graphite
  • Molybdenum