Toward edges-rich MoS₂ layers via chemical liquid exfoliation triggering distinctive magnetism

ABSTRACT

The magnetic function of layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has been investigated via simulation, but few reliable experimental results have been explored. Herein, we developed edges-rich structural MoS₂ nanosheets via liquid phase exfoliation approach, triggering exceptional ferromagnetism. The magnetic measurements revealed the clear ferromagnetic property of layered MoS₂, compared to the pristine MoS₂ in bulk exhibiting diamagnetism. The existence of ferromagnetism mostly was attributed to the presence of grain boundaries with abundant irregular edges confirmed by the transmission electron microscopy, magnetic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which experimentally provided reliable evidences on irregular edges-rich states engineering ferromagnetism to clarify theoretical calculation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

IMPACT STATEMENT

• Edges-rich MoS₂ layers are achieved via chemical liquid approach.

• The abundant edges MoS₂ nanosheets demonstrate highly superior magnetic property, which provides reliable evidences to identify irregular edge states engineering ferromagnetism experimentally.

KEYWORDS:

• Edges-rich MoS₂
• exfoliation
• magnetic property
• grain boundaries

Acknowledgements

We are appreciated for the contributions from Prof. Angel Rubio and Dr Lede Xian in Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Spain.

Additional information

Funding

The presented research was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (21401211, 81501580, 31571013), the Science and Technology Department of Guangdong Province (2013B010403014), The Project Supported by Guangdong Natural Science Foundation (2016A030312006), Key International Science and Technology Cooperation Project (2015DFH50230), Instrument Developing Project of Chinese Academy of Science (YZ201439), the Science and Technology Program of Shenzhen (KQCX20140521115045447, JCYJ20120615124830232, JCYJ20160429191503002). Additionally, we are appreciated for the contributions from Prof. Angel Rubio and Dr. Lede Xian in Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Spain.