Atomic-Scale in Situ Observations of Crystallization and Restructuring Processes in Two-Dimensional MoS₂ Films.

ABSTRACT: We employ atomically resolved and element-specific scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to visualize in situ and at the atomic scale the crystallization and restructuring processes of two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) films. To this end, we deposit a model heterostructure of thin amorphous MoS₂ films onto freestanding graphene membranes used as high-resolution STEM supports. Notably, during STEM imaging the energy input from the scanning electron beam leads to beam-induced crystallization and restructuring of the amorphous MoS₂ into crystalline MoS₂ domains, thereby emulating widely used elevated temperature MoS₂ synthesis and processing conditions. We thereby directly observe nucleation, growth, crystallizat

SUBMITTER: Bayer BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6117750 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature