Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service (HRMS)
    • Starfish
    • Degree Map
  • Directory
  • Calendar
  • Scope of this search:
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences
  • About
  • Academics
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Research
University of North Dakota
  • About
  • Academics
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Research
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
Scope of this search:
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
Scope of this search:
College of Arts & Sciences
  • Home
  • Academics
  • Physics & Astrophysics
  • Colloquia
  • 2017 18
  • Colloquium: Dr. Soumya Banerjee
Skip Section Navigation
  • Physics & Astrophysics
  • Courses
  • Scholarships
  • Research
  • Faculty & Staff
  • News & Events
  • Colloquia Show/hide children
    • 2017-2018
    • 2015-2016
    • 2014-2015
    • 2013-2014
    • 2012-2013

Colloquium: Dr. Soumya Banerjee

Dr. Soumya Banerjee
Department of Physics and Astrophysics
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

Intercalation of Si between MoS2 Layers

 

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the growth of sub-monolayer amounts of silicon (Si) on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). At room temperature and low deposition rates we have found compelling evidence that the deposited Si atoms intercalate between the MoS2 layers. Our evidence relies on several experimental observations: (1) Upon the deposition of Si on pristine MoS2 the morphology of the surface transforms from a smooth surface to a hill-and-valley surface. The lattice constant of the hill-and-valley structure amounts to 3.16 Å, which is exactly the lattice constant of pristine MoS2. (2) The transitions from hills to valleys are not abrupt, as one would expect for epitaxial islands growing on-top of a substrate, but very gradual. (3) I(V) scanning tunneling spectroscopy spectra recorded at the hills and valleys reveal no noteworthy differences. (4) Spatial maps of dI/dz reveal that the surface exhibits a uniform work function and a lattice constant of 3.16 Å. (5) X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy measurements reveal that sputtering of the MoS2/Si substrate does not lead to a decrease, but an increase of the relative Si signal. Based on these experimental observations we have to conclude that deposited Si atoms do not reside on the MoS2 surface, but rather intercalate between the MoS2 layers. Our conclusion that Si intercalates upon the deposition on MoS2 is at variance with the interpretation by Chiappe et al. (Adv. Mater. 2014, 26, 2096–2101) that silicon forms a highly strained epitaxial layer on MoS2. Finally, density functional theory calculations indicate that silicene clusters encapsulated by MoS2 are stable.

Department of Physics & Astrophysics
Witmer Hall Room 213
101 Cornell St Stop 7129
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7129
P 701.777.2911
physics@UND.edu
  • Facebook
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

College of Arts & Sciences

Columbia Hall, Room 1930
501 N Columbia Rd Stop 8038
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8038

UND.artssci@UND.edu |  701.777.2749
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Library
  • Essential Studies
  • One-Stop
  • Registrar
  • Bookstore
  • Contact UND
  • Campus Map
  • Employment
  • Tech Support
  • Make a Gift
University of North Dakota

© 2022 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

  • Accessibility & Website Feedback
  • Terms of Use & Privacy
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Student Disclosure Information
  • Title IX
©