Order-disorder phase transitions in the two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide alloys Mo(1-x)W(x)X₂ (X = S, Se, and Te).
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ABSTRACT: A combination of density functional theory, an empirical model, and Monte Carlo simulations is used to shed light on the evolution of the atomic distribution in the two-dimensional semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide alloys Mo(1-x)W(x)X2 (X = S, Se, and Te) as a function of the W concentration and temperature. Both random and ordered phases are discovered and the origin of the phase transitions is clarified. While the empirical model predicts at x = 1/3 and 2/3 ordered alloys, Monte Carlo simulations suggest that they only exist at low temperature due to a small energetic preference of Mo-X-W over Mo-X-Mo and W-X-W interactions, explaining the experimental observation of random alloy Mo(1-x)W(x)S2. Negative formation energies point to a high miscibility. Tunability of the band edges and band gaps by alteration of the W concentration gives rise to a broad range of applications.
SUBMITTER: Gan LY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4204064 | biostudies-other | 2014
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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