Polymorphism Control of Layered MoTe(2) through Two-Dimensional Solid-Phase Crystallization

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe(2)) exhibits an intriguing polymorphic nature, showing stable semiconducting 2H and metallic 1T′ phases at room temperature. Polymorphism in MoTe(2) presents new opportunities in developing phase-change memory, high- performance transistors, and spintronic devices. However, it also poses challenges in synthesizing homogeneous MoTe(2) with a precisely controlled phase. Recently, a new yet simple method using sputtering and 2D solid-phase crystallization (SPC) is proposed for synthesizing high-quality and large-area MoTe(2). This study investigates the polymorphism control of MoTe(2) synthesis using 2D SPC. The Te/Mo ratio and oxygen content in the as-sputtered films correlate strongly with the final phase and electrical properties of SPC MoTe(2). Furthermore, the SPC thermal budget may be exploited for stabilizing a deterministic phase. The comprehensive experiments presented in this work demonstrate the versatile and precise controllability on the MoTe(2) phase by using the simple 2D SPC technique.