Identification of active atomic defects in a monolayered tungsten disulphide nanoribbon

Edge structures and atomic defects can significantly affect the physical and chemical properties of low-dimensional materials, such as nanoribbons, and therefore merit a thorough investigation at the atomic scale. Here, we successfully discriminate single atoms on a monolayered tungsten disulphide nanoribbon by means of time-resolved annular dark-field imaging and spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy. We unambiguously identify and successfully visualize in motion atomic defects, such as vacancies and edge atoms, using scanning transmission electron microscopy. We also report a direct observation of slip deformation in the nanoribbons and present evidence demonstrating that the deformation process involves the migration of vacancies and rearrangement of tungsten atoms. Single-atom defects are successfully observed for the first time during plastic deformation.