van der Waals Epitaxy of MoS2 Layers Using Graphene As Growth Templates

We present a method for synthesizing MoS2/Graphene hybrid heterostructures with a growth template of graphene-covered Cu foil. Compared to other recent reports,(1,2) a much lower growth temperature of 400 degrees C is required for this procedure. The chemical vapor deposition of MoS2 on the graphene surface gives rise to single crystalline hexagonal flakes with a typical lateral size ranging from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers. The precursor (ammonium thiomolybdate) together with solvent was transported to graphene surface by a carrier gas at room temperature, which was then followed by post annealing. At an elevated temperature, the precursor self-assembles to form MoS2 flakes epitaxially on the graphene surface via thermal decomposition. With higher amount of precursor delivered onto the graphene surface, a continuous MoS2 film on graphene can be obtained. This simple chemical vapor deposition method provides a unique approach for the synthesis of graphene heterostructures and surface functionalization of graphene. The synthesized two-dimensional MoS2/Graphene hybrids possess great potential toward the development of new optical and electronic devices as well as a wide variety of newly synthesizable compounds for catalysts.