A semiconductor Sc₂S₃ monolayer with ultrahigh carrier mobility for UV blocking filter application.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun poses risks to human vision and ocular cells.
• Developing materials that absorb UV light without impeding visible light transmission is crucial for eye protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel two-dimensional (2D) materials for efficient UV light absorption.
• To investigate the optoelectronic properties of Sc-S crystals for potential UV-blocking applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized unbiased first-principles swarm intelligence for crystal structure search.
• Explored two-dimensional (2D) Scandium Sulfide (Sc-S) crystals.
• Performed optoelectronic property simulations and stability analyses.

Main Results:

• Identified a stable Sc₂S₃ monolayer with a wide indirect bandgap (3.05 eV) and high carrier mobility (2.8 × 10³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹).
• Sc₂S₃ exhibits near-transparent visible light absorption and ultrahigh UV absorption coefficients (up to 10⁵ cm⁻¹).
• Biaxial strain and thickness modulation can further enhance UV absorption.

Conclusions:

• The Sc₂S₃ monolayer demonstrates excellent UV-blocking capabilities.
• Its optoelectronic properties make it a promising candidate for UV-blocking filters.
• This research highlights Sc₂S₃ as a prototypical nanomaterial for eye protection applications.