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arXiv · 2011.08959

Multiple Control of Few-layer Janus MoSSe Systems

Shuanglong Liu·James N. Fry·Hai-Ping Cheng
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Abstract

In this computational work based on density functional theory we study the electronic and electron transport properties of asymmetric multi-layer MoSSe junctions, known as Janus junctions. Focusing on 4-layer systems, we investigate the influence of electric field, electrostatic doping, strain, and interlayer stacking on the electronic structure. We discover that a metal to semiconductor transition can be induced by an out-of-plane electric field. The critical electric field for such a transition can be reduced by in-plane biaxial compressive strain. Due to an intrinsic electric field, a 4-layer MoSSe can rectify out-of-plane electric current. The rectifying ratio reaches 34.1 in a model junction Zr/4-layer MoSSe/Zr. This ratio can be further enhanced by increasing the number of MoSSe layers. In addition, we show a drastic sudden vertical compression of 4-layer MoSSe due to in-plane biaxial tensile strain, indicating a second phase transition. Furthermore, an odd-even effect on electron transmission at the Fermi energy for Zr/$n$-layer MoSSe/Zr junctions with $n=1, \, 2,\, 3, \,\dots,\, 10$ is observed. These findings reveal the richness of physics in this asymmetric system and strongly suggest that the properties of 4-layer MoSSe are highly tunable, thus providing a guide to future experiments relating materials research and nanoelectronics.

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Shuanglong Liu, James N. Fry, Hai-Ping Cheng. 2020-11-17. Multiple Control of Few-layer Janus MoSSe Systems. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevmaterials.5.064007

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