Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of early transition-metal dichalcogenides via tensile strain

Hongyan Guo, Ning Lu, Lu Wang, Xiaojun Wu*, Xiao Cheng Zeng*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

247 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have performed a systematic first-principles study of the effect of tensile strains on the electronic properties of early transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers MX2 (M = Sc, Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Cr; X = S, Se, Te). Our density functional theory calculations suggest that the tensile strain can significantly affect the electronic properties of many early TMDCs in general and the electronic bandgap in particular. For group IVB TMDCs (TiX2, ZrX2, HfX2), the bandgap increases with the tensile strain, but for ZrX2 and HfX2 (X = S, Se), the bandgap starts to decrease at strain 6-8%. For the group VB TMDCs (TaX 2), the tensile strain can either induce the ferromagnetism or enhance the existing ferromagnetism. For the group VIB TMDCs (CrX2), the direct-to-indirect bandgap transition is seen upon application of the tensile strain, except CrTe2 whose bandgap decreases with the tensile strain even though the direct character of its bandgap is retained. Lastly, for the group IIIB TMDCs (ScX2) in the T metallic phase, we find that the tensile strain has little effect on their electronic and magnetic properties. Our study suggests that strain engineering is an effective approach to modify electronic and magnetic properties of most early TMDC monolayers, thereby opening an alternative way for future optoelectronic and spintronic applications. © 2014 American Chemical Society.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7242-7249
JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume118
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of early transition-metal dichalcogenides via tensile strain'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this