(a) Work function anisotropy demonstrated in the 2D limit for MoS2. (b) Linear correlation between a work function change and a change in the edge dipole moment shown for 600+ edge-reconstructions in MoS2.
Scientific Achievement
We provide proof of anisotropy in the work function of 2D materials using theory and ab initio calculations. A large tunability of the work function by ~3eV is demonstrated with a linear correlation between a work function change and a change in the dipole moment in the 2D limit.
Significance and Impact
Our study provides a complete understanding of the origin of the work function in 2D nanomaterials, thereby providing a rational approach to design 2D edges for various electronic and catalytic applications.
Research Details
- Theoretical proof, rigorously tested by ab initio calculations, provided for over 600+ edges of a linear relationship between work function and in-plane edge dipole moment in 2D materials.
- Machine learning-based non-linear dimensional reduction techniques provide novel insights into how edge-structural motifs affect the dipole moment and hence the work-function.
Guoxiang Hu, Victor Fung, Jingsong Huang, and P. Ganesh, "Work Function Engineering of 2D Materials: The Role of Polar edge Reconstructions," J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 12, 2320 (2021). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00278
