Silver Decoration of Vertically Aligned MoS₂-MoO_x Nanosheets: A Comprehensive XPS Investigation

This study investigates the simultaneous decoration of vertically aligned molybdenum disulfide nanostructure (VA-MoS₂) with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen functionalization. Nitrogen functionalization was achieved through physical vapor deposition (PVD) DC-magnetron sputtering using nitrogen as a reactive gas, aiming to induce p-type behavior in MoS₂. The utilization of reactive sputtering resulted in the growth of three-dimensional silver structures on the surface of MoS₂, promoting the formation of silver nanoparticles. A comprehensive characterization was conducted to assess surface modifications and analyze chemical and structural changes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of silver on the MoS₂ surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed successful decoration with silver nanoparticles, showing that deposition time affects the size and distribution of the silver on the MoS₂ surface.