Patternable Large-Scale Molybdenium Disulfide Atomic Layers Grown by Gold-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

A novel way to grow MoS2 on a large scale with uniformity and in desired patterns is developed. We use Au film as a catalyst on which [Mo(CO)(6)] vapor decomposes to form a Mo-Au surface alloy that is an ideal Mo reservoir for the growth of atomic layers of MoS2. Upon exposure to H2S, this surface alloy transforms into a few layers of MoS2, which can be isolated and transferred on an arbitrary substrate. By simply patterning Au catalyst film by conventional lithographic techniques, MoS2 atomic layers in desired patterns can be fabricated.