Carrier polarity modulation of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) for phototransistor and switching photodiode applications

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are layered semiconductor materials that have recently emerged as promising candidates for advanced nano- and photoelectronic applications. Previously, various doping methods, such as surface functionalization, chemical doping, substitutional doping, surface charge transfer, and electrostatic doping, have been introduced, but they are not stable or efficient. In this study, we have developed carrier polarity modulation of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe₂) for the development of phototransistors and switching photodiodes. Initially, we treated p-MoTe₂ in a N₂ environment under DUV irradiation and found that the p-type MoTe₂ changed to n-type MoTe₂. However, the treated devices exhibited environmental stability over a long period of 60 days. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements demonstrated that the values of the work function for p-MoTe₂ and n-MoTe₂ were ∼4.90 and ∼4.49 eV, respectively, which confirmed the carrier tunability. Also, first-principles studies were performed to confirm the n-type carrier polarity variation. Interestingly, the n-type MoTe₂ reversed its polarity to p-type after the irradiation of the devices under DUV in an O₂ environment. Additionally, a lateral homojunction-based p–n diode of MoTe₂ with a rectification ratio of ∼2.5 × 10⁴ was formed with the value of contact potential difference of ∼400 mV and an estimated fast rise time of 29 ms and decay time of 38 ms. Furthermore, a well self-biased photovoltaic behavior upon illumination of light was achieved and various photovoltaic parameters were examined. Also, V_OC switching behavior was established at the p–n diode state by switching on and off the incident light. We believe that this efficient and facile carrier polarity modulation technique may pave the way for the development of phototransistors and switching photodiodes in advanced nanotechnology.