Electron density modulation in monolayer $MoS_{2}$ along the phase transition of a relaxor ferroelectric substrate

TL;DR

This study demonstrates reversible modulation of electron density and photoluminescence in monolayer MoS2 via a relaxor ferroelectric substrate, enabling temperature-controlled tuning of electronic and optical properties.

Contribution

It reveals the use of relaxor ferroelectrics for continuous and reversible tuning of 2D material properties across phase transitions, a novel approach in the field.

Findings

Reversible PL and charge density modulation observed.

Continuous tuning of properties over 30-90°C temperature range.

Thermal hysteresis effects in electron density during cycles.

Abstract

The integration of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with ferroelectric substrates is a powerful strategy to modulate their electronic and optical properties. However, the use of relaxor ferroelectrics for this purpose remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate a reversible photoluminescence (PL) and charge density modulation of monolayer $MoS_{2}$ on a $Sr_{0.61}Ba_{0.39}Nb_{2}O_{6}$ (SBN) substrate, a prototypical relaxor ferroelectric. The smearing of the phase transition in SBN enables continuous tuning of $MoS_{2}$ electronic properties over a broad temperature range ($30-90{\deg}C$). A pronounced PL enhancement occurs as the substrate transitions from ferro-to-paraelectric phase due to the vanishing spontaneous polarization and the consequent change in charge balance at the $MoS_{2}-SBN$ interface. Moreover, thermal hysteresis in the electron density modulation is observed during heating and cooling cycles. These findings highlight the potential of relaxor ferroelectrics as reconfigurable platforms for electron doping and light-emission control in 2D materials, opening avenues for temperature-responsive optoelectronic and nanophotonic applications.