Synthesis and characterization of layered Mo1-xErxS2 (0<0.05) nanostructures via 1,2-ethanediolmono(2-methylpropenoate) assisted microwave approach for gas detection

A series of layered Mo1-xErxS2 (0 < x < 0.05) nanosheets was prepared using a 1,2-ethanediolmono(2-methylpropenoate) assisted microwave approach. The influence of the Er-atoms on the structure, morphology, optical, and electrical properties of the MoS2 nanosheets was studied. The Mo1-xErxS2 (0 < x < 0.05) nanosheets were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, Raman, and XPS measurements. The inclusion of the Er in Mo sites results in a decrease in the number of MoS2 layers and the widening of their lateral dimensions. The UV-vis spectrum of the Mo1-xErxS2 (0 < x < 0.05) 2D-layered nanostructures showed an increase of the optical bandgap and an enhancement of the direct exciton transitions at the K-points of the Brillouin zone. A heterojunction Mo1xErxS2/p-Si diode was fabricated for the detection of gases. The developed heterojunction diode exhibited high sensitivity toward NO2 gas, under solar light illumination, with high stability and reproducibility.

Automated summary

The impact of Er atoms on the properties of MoS2 nanosheets was investigated, showing that the inclusion of Er results in a decrease in layer number and widening of lateral dimensions, along with an increase in optical bandgap and exciton transition intensity. A Mo1xErxS2/p-Si heterojunction diode demonstrated high sensitivity towards NO2 gas, exhibiting good stability and reproducibility under solar light illumination.