Improved Strain Transfer Efficiency in Large-Area Two-Dimensional MoS₂ Obtained by Gold-Assisted Exfoliation

Strain engineering represents a pivotal approach to tailoring the optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. However, typical bending experiments often encounter challenges, such as layer slippage and inefficient transfer of strain from the substrate to the 2D material, hindering the realization of their full potential. In our study, using molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as a model 2D material, we have demonstrated that layers obtained through gold-assisted exfoliation on flexible polycarbonate substrates can achieve high-efficient strain transfer while also mitigating slippage effects, owing to the strong interfacial interaction established between MoS₂ and gold. We employ differential reflectance and Raman spectroscopy for monitoring strain changes. We successfully applied uniaxial strains of up to 3% to trilayer MoS₂, resulting in a notable energy shift of 168 meV. These values are comparable only to those obtained in encapsulated samples with organic polymers.