Spontaneous formation of MoS2 nanoscrolls from flat monolayers with sulfur vacancies: a molecular dynamics investigation

The unique physical properties exhibited by one-dimensional nanoscrolls assembled from nanosheets have propelled them into the spotlight of two-dimensional materials research. However, the self-scrolling mechanism of transition metal dichalcogenides has not been unveiled with an appropriate theoretical approach. In this paper, we systematically investigate the spontaneous formation of MoS2 nanoscrolls from flat monolayers by molecular dynamics simulations based on a reactive force field. The sulfur vacancies on one side break the atomic symmetry and the reconstruction acts as the driving force for the curling of the flat nanoribbon. If sulfur vacancies are arranged in a line, clear bending angles of the nanoribbon can be obtained and the angle relies on the direction of the line vacancy. With random sulfur vacancies on the top, spontaneous curling and a time-dependent scrolling process of the nanoribbon can be observed. The interplay between dangling bonds and van der Waals (vdW) interactions plays a pivotal role in the formation process of MoS2 nanoscrolls. With an increasing density of sulfur vacancies, the curvature of the nanoscrolls increases. Meanwhile, the scrolling rate accelerates and the time required for the formation of vdW structures decreases. These results provide theoretical insights into the fabrication of nanoscrolls and pave avenues for tailoring nanoscrolls with different morphologies.

Automated summary

This paper systematically investigates the spontaneous formation of MoS2 nanoscrolls and proposes a self-scrolling mechanism based on molecular dynamics simulations. The sulfur vacancies and van der Waals interactions play a crucial role in the formation process, and increasing sulfur vacancy density enhances the curvature and scrolling rate of the nanoscrolls.