Phase-engineered synthesis of atomically thin te single crystals with high on-state currents.

Zhou, Jun; Zhang, Guitao; Wang, Wenhui; Chen, Qian; Zhao, Weiwei; Liu, Hongwei; Zhao, Bei; Ni, Zhenhua et al. · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Multiple structural phases of tellurium (Te) have opened up various opportunities for the development of two-dimensional (2D) electronics and optoelectronics. However, the phase-engineered synthesis of 2D Te at the atomic level remains a substantial challenge. Herein, we design an atomic cluster density and interface-guided multiple control strategy for phase- and thickness-controlled synthesis of α-Te nanosheets and β-Te nanoribbons (from monolayer to tens of μm) on WS<sub>2</sub> substrates. As the thickness decreases, the α-Te nanosheets exhibit a transition from metallic to n-type semiconducting properties. On the other hand, the β-Te nanoribbons remain p-type semiconductors with an ON-state current density (I<sub>ON</sub>) up to ~ 1527 μA μm<sup>-1</sup> and a mobility as high as ~ 690.7 cm<sup>2</sup> V<sup>-1</sup> s<sup>-1</sup> at room temperature. Both Te phases exhibit good air stability after several months. Furthermore, short-channel (down to 46 nm) β-Te nanoribbon transistors exhibit remarkable electrical properties (I<sub>ON</sub> = ~ 1270 μA μm<sup>-1</sup> and ON-state resistance down to 0.63 kΩ μm) at V<sub>ds</sub> = 1 V.