Local Interactions of Atmospheric Oxygen with MoS₂ Crystals

Thin and single MoS₂ flakes are envisioned to contribute to the flexible nanoelectronics, particularly in sensing, optoelectronics and energy harvesting. Thus, it is important to study their stability and local surface reactivity. Their most straightforward surface reactions in this context pertain to thermally induced interactions with atmospheric oxygen. This review focuses on local and thermally induced interactions of MoS₂ crystals and single MoS₂ flakes. First, experimentally observed data for oxygen-mediated thermally induced morphological and chemical changes of the MoS₂ crystals and single MoS₂ flakes are presented. Second, state-of-the-art mechanistic insight from computer simulations and arising open questions are discussed. Finally, the properties and fate of the Mo oxides arising from thermal oxidation are reviewed, and future directions into the research of the local MoS₂/MoO_x interface are provided.