Developing Precursors for the Electrodeposition of Early Metal Chalcogenide Semiconductors
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are inorganic materials of formula ME2 (M = metal; E = chalcogen = sulfur, selenium or tellurium). They form 2-dimensional layered hexagonal structures related to that of cadmium diiodide, in which the metal-chalcogen bonding within the layers is very strong, whilst that between the layers is much weaker (van der Waals interactions) - i.e. inorganic analogues of graphite.
This project will develop new single source precursors that can act as the source of both the metal and the chalcogen for the electrodeposition of 2D layered TMDC thin films. Our priorities are to demonstrate electrodeposition of ME2 with good control of the M:E ratio present in the deposited films and their morphology. We will benchmark their functional properties (electrical and magnetic).
This project will develop new single source precursors that can act as the source of both the metal and the chalcogen for the electrodeposition of 2D layered TMDC thin films. Our priorities are to demonstrate electrodeposition of ME2 with good control of the M:E ratio present in the deposited films and their morphology. We will benchmark their functional properties (electrical and magnetic).
People |
ORCID iD |
| G Reid (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Danielle Smith (Student) |
Publications
Smith DE
(2020)
Thioether complexes of WSCl4, WOCl4 and WSCl3 and evaluation of thiochloride complexes as CVD precursors for WS2 thin films.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Greenacre V
(2019)
Complexes of WOCl4 and WSCl4 with neutral N- and O-donor ligands: Synthesis, spectroscopy and structures
in Polyhedron
Levason W
(2020)
Pentagonal bipyramidal complexes of WOCl4 and WSCl4 with diphosphine and diarsine ligands
in Polyhedron
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509747/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1946877 | Studentship | EP/N509747/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2020 | Danielle Smith |
| Description | This project is still ongoing - the production of thin films of inorganic graphene (WS2 and MoS2) from a selection of tailor made precursors. All precursors have been specifically designed to ensure optimum deposition from electrochemical methods. The successful electrodeposition of MoS2 and WS2 thin films and the resulting characterisation by a variety of techniques. Successful deposition onto a variety of substrates with the intention of depositing films for the purpose of making devices. |
| Exploitation Route | Advances in the production of thin films could lead to the better fabrication of devices for microelectronics and photovoltaic applications. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics |
| Description | Electrodeposition of 2D materials |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Department | School of Electronics and Computer Science Southampton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The synthesis of tailored precursors that are suitable for electrodeposition in non-aqueous organic solvents for the deposition of MoS2 and WS2 thin films. A series of compounds synthesised in inert conditions, optimised conditions for annealing of thin films and characterisation of materials including grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The electrodeposition of MoS2 and WS2 from provided precursors in organic solvents and characterisations of resulting films including Raman, XPS and SEM. The design and fabrication of masks to electrodeposit onto devices for transisters. |
| Impact | This collaboration involves synthetic inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry and chemical engineering. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Dalton Young Members Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dalton Young Members Event Conference held in September 2019 - the purpose was to share our research with other researchers in the field, this was achieved by presenting a poster of our work. This included questions, discussions and networking afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Science and Engineering Day (University of Southampton) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A full day of outreach activities aimed at engaging families and children in Science and Technology, included hands on activities such as making slime. Roughly 3000 members of the general public attend |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.sotsef.co.uk/ |
| Description | Southern Dalton |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Southern Dalton Conference held in September 2019 - the purpose was to share our research with other researchers in the field, this was achieved by presenting a poster of our work. This included questions and discussions afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |