Facile topotactic conversion routes towards novel functional materials
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Chemistry
Abstract
The aim of the project is to capitalise on the recent development of a novel synthesis protocol for the fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) materials using topotactic conversion of oxides to transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs). A key advantage of the technique is that it relies on the fabrication of oxide thin films, which is a mature technology, so they could be routinely converted to large-area coatings of the TMCs on an arbitrary substrate of choice. The ultimate goal is to investigate several potential applications for the fabricated films. Firstly, in collaboration with Dr. Moran (School of Engineering), the aim is to develop nano- and micro-scale 2D and 3D patterning of the atomically thin TMD films in order to demonstrate: (a) that mesostructured 2D TMDs can enable the light absorption on the surface to achieve improved electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities and (b) to test fabrication of pre-patterned materials to induce pinning effect and prevent peeling of the film from a substrate under hydrogen evolution conditions. Under supervision Dr. Moran novel superconducting systems, field effect transistors (FETs) with improved on / off ratio and photoemission detectors will be developed as a second strand of the research.
Organisations
Publications
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509668/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
1947276 | Studentship | EP/N509668/1 | 30/09/2017 | 30/09/2021 | James Fraser |
Description | In this work we have developed a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method for the synthesis of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) thin films that uses a novel iron telluride (FeTe2) precursor. MoTe2 is a promising 2D material that has potential applications in the fields of; energy conversion, optoelectronics and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The method we have employed allows to the synthesize both phases of MoTe2 on the same substrate in a single CVD reaction. This was achieved by taking advantage of the different reaction mechanism of molybdenum and molybdenum trioxide with the FeTe2 precursor. This is an exciting development because other methods of achieving this have focused on post growth modification of MoTe2. Furthermore we have found that the metallic phase of MoTe2 can act as a SERS substrate, this means it can increase the detection limit of molecules deposited onto its surface, meaning that trace amounts can be detected. Specifically we have shown that a marker for heart disease (sitosterol) can be detected at concentrations three orders of magnitude lower on MoTe2 compared to noble metal SERS substrates. |
Exploitation Route | The CVD method we have developed may be utilised by other research groups, allowing them to grow both polymorphs of MoTe2 on a single substrate in one CVD reaction, this could be used to create all MoTe2 field-effect transistors. Furthermore, the work on MoTe2 as a SERS substrate may encourage other research groups to test other transition metal dichalcogenides as SERS substrates as well as screen other potentially useful molecules that can be detected in this manner. |
Sectors | Electronics,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
URL | https://chemrxiv.org/articles/A_Universal_Platform_for_Selective_Phase_Growth_and_Precise-Layer_Control_in_MoTe2/11882547 |
Description | College of Science and Engineering Graduate School Mobility Scholarship |
Amount | £1,300 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2019 |
End | 06/2019 |
Description | Energy Technology Partnership Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers Exchanges Grant |
Amount | £2,680 (GBP) |
Organisation | Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 06/2018 |
Description | Graphene 2020 Travel Award |
Amount | € 150 (EUR) |
Organisation | Phantoms Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Spain |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 06/2020 |
Description | RSC Locsl Section Travel Bursary |
Amount | £200 (GBP) |
Organisation | Royal Society of Chemistry |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2018 |
End | 12/2018 |
Description | Royal Society of Chemistry Researcher Mobility Grant |
Amount | £1,800 (GBP) |
Funding ID | M19-9907 |
Organisation | Royal Society of Chemistry |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 07/2020 |
Description | School of Chemistry Gibson Travel Award |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 06/2020 |