Synthesis-related nanoscale defects in Mo-based Janus monolayers revealed by cross-correlated AFM and TERS imaging

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising candidates for various applications in non-linear optics, energy harvesting, and catalysis. These materials are usually synthesized via chemical conversion of pristine TMDs. Nanometer-scale characterization of the obtained Janus materials' morphology and local composition is crucial for both the synthesis optimization and the future device applications. In this work, we present a cross-correlated atomic force microscopy (AFM) and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) study of Janus $\mathrm{Mo}_{\mathrm{Se}}^{\mathrm{S}}$ and Janus $\mathrm{Mo}_{\mathrm{S}}^{\mathrm{Se}}$ monolayers synthesized by the hydrogen plasma-assisted chemical conversion of $\mathrm{MoSe}_2$ and $\mathrm{MoS}_2$, respectively. We demonstrate how the choice of the growth substrate and the starting TMD affects the morphology of the resulting Janus material. Furthermore, by employing TERS imaging, we demonstrate the presence of nanoscale islands (~20 nm across) of $\mathrm{MoSe}_2$-$\mathrm{Mo}_{\mathrm{Se}}^{\mathrm{S}}$ ($\mathrm{MoS}_2$-$\mathrm{Mo}_{\mathrm{S}}^{\mathrm{Se}}$) vertical heterostructures originating from the bilayer nanoislands in the precursor monolayer crystals. The understanding of the origins of nanoscale defects in Janus TMDs revealed in our study can help with further optimization of the Janus conversion process towards uniform and wrinkle-/crack-free Janus materials. Moreover, our work shows that cross-correlated AFM and TERS imaging is a powerful and accessible method for studying nanoscale composition and defects in Janus TMD monolayers.