Centimeter-Scale Periodically Corrugated Few-Layer 2D MoS₂ with Tensile Stretch-Driven Tunable Multifunctionalities

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) layers possess unique optical, electrical, and structural properties.
• Mechanical strain can tune these properties, but large-scale, controlled integration remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop centimeter-scale, periodically corrugated 2D TMDs, specifically molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).
• To investigate the mechanical tunability of electrical, optical, and structural properties in these 3D corrugated 2D MoS2 layers.

Main Methods:

• A water-assisted process was used to integrate few-layer 2D MoS2 onto 3D corrugated elastomeric substrates over large areas (>2 cm2).
• Systematic study of property evolution under controlled tensile stretch.

Main Results:

• Achieved homogeneous integration of 2D MoS2 on large-area 3D corrugated substrates.
• Demonstrated excellent electrical conductivity and photoresponsiveness in corrugated 2D MoS2.
• Showcased systematically tunable surface wettability and optical absorbance under mechanical deformation.

Conclusions:

• Novel 3D corrugated 2D MoS2 materials offer mechanically tunable multifunctionalities.
• These materials present opportunities for large-scale, mechanically deformable devices with diverse form factors and unprecedented functionalities.