Elucidation of the growth mechanism of MoS2 during the CVD process

ABSTRACTChemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and sulfur (S) powder often results in intermediate molybdenum oxy-sulfide (MoOS2) species along with MoS2 due to a lack of control over the vapor pressure required for the clean growth. Much effort has been devoted in understanding and controlling of these intermediate MoOS2 specifies. Here, we show that with a second step sulfurization at moderate temperatures, these MoOS2 crystals can be transformed to monolayer MoS2 crystals. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization carried out before and after re-sulfurization confirm the monolayer MoS2 growth via this route. This study shows that MoOS2 formed at the intermediate state can be successfully recycled to MoS2.

Preparation and morphology-dependent wettability of porous alumina membranes

This article presents the preparation and study of the wetting properties of porous alumina membranes (PAMs) with a thickness of 25 to 75 μm and with a different pore sizes. The fabrication process features, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization results are presented. The comparative analysis of PAM surfaces (outer and inner) and the effect of morphology of these surfaces on the wetting properties are discussed. Both alumina surfaces show significant morphology-dependent wettability. Measurements of the interfacial contact angle were made on the as-fabricated amorphous membrane and after pore widening with a range of pore diameters from 25 to 100 nm. The possible applications of PAMs for various membrane technologies is shown.

Studying friction while playing the violin: exploring the stick–slip phenomenon

Controlling the stick–slip friction phenomenon is of major importance for many familiar situations. This effect originates from the periodic rupture of junctions created between two rubbing surfaces due to the increasing shear stress at the interface. It is ultimately responsible for the behavior of many braking systems, earthquakes, and unpleasant squeaky sounds caused by the scratching of two surfaces. In the case of a musical bow-stringed instrument, stick–slip is controlled in order to provide well-tuned notes at different intensities. A trained ear is able to distinguish slight sound variations caused by small friction differences. Hence, a violin can be regarded as a perfect benchmark to explore the stick–slip effect at the mesoscale. Two violin bow hairs were studied, a natural horse tail used in a professional philharmonic orchestra, and a synthetic one used with a violin for beginners. Atomic force microscopy characterization revealed clear differences when comparing the surfaces of both bow hairs, suggesting that a structure having peaks and a roughness similar to that of the string to which both bow hairs rubbed permits a better control of the stick–slip phenomenon.

A benzoxazine surfactant exchange for atomic force microscopy characterization of two dimensional materials exfoliated in aqueous surfactant solutions

Surfactant exchange was utilized to successfully deposit 2D flakes from liquid phase exfoliation for AFM characterization.