Defect removal of 2D semiconductor crystals: Trapping oxygen molecules offers greater control

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-defect-2d-semiconductor-crystals-oxygen.html

"control 2D transition metal (tungsten and sulfur, with formula WS2) dichalcogenide defect states using h-BN encapsulation... oxygen molecules adsorb onto crystal defect sites, sulfur vacancies where sulfur atom is missing from WS2 lattice sites... adsorbed oxygen molecules fix in place when WS2 crystals encapsulated within hexagonal boron nitride monolayers, above and below WS2 layer, altering/ stabilizing TMD electronic behavior (passivation)... flexible devices, solar cells"