Atomic Insights into Phase Evolution in Ternary Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Nanostructures

Phase engineering through chemical modification can significantly alter the properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides, and allow the design of many novel electronic, photonic, and optoelectronics devices. The atomic-scale mechanism underlying such phase engineering is still intensively investigated but elusive. Here, advanced electron microscopy, combined with density functional theory calculations, is used to understand the phase evolution (hexagonal 2H→monoclinic T′→orthorhombic T_d) in chemical vapor deposition grown Mo_{1− x} W _x Te₂ nanostructures. Atomic-resolution imaging and electron diffraction indicate that Mo_{1− x} W _x Te₂ nanostructures have two phases: the pure monoclinic phase in low W-concentrated (0 < x ≤ 10 at.%) samples, and the dual phase of the monoclinic and orthorhombic in high W-concentrated (10 < x < 90 at.%) samples. Such phase coexistence exists with coherent interfaces, mediated by a newly uncovered orthorhombic phase T_d′. T_d′, preserves the centrosymmetry of T′ and provides the possible phase transition path for T′→T_d with low energy state. This work enriches the atomic-scale understanding of phase evolution and coexistence in multinary compounds, and paves the way for device applications of new transition-metal dichalcogenides phases and heterostructures.