Defect-induced multiferroicity in bulk solid solutions of WSe$_2$ and WTe$_2$

TL;DR

This study explores how defect engineering and compositional tuning in bulk WSe2-WTe2 solid solutions induce multiferroic properties, revealing a phase diagram that guides the design of ferroic materials.

Contribution

It demonstrates that stoichiometry and vacancies can be strategically manipulated to control ferroic behaviors in transition metal dichalcogenides.

Findings

Multiferroic states emerge at high vacancy concentrations.

Structural transition from 2H to 1Td occurs above 18% tellurium.

Ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism are tunable via defect levels.

Abstract

Transition metal dichalcogenides provide a versatile platform for tunable ferroic phenomena at the atomic scale owing to their reduced dimensionality. Here we investigate the structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties of bulk solid solution W(Se1-xTex)2(1-delta) single crystals synthesized by chemical vapor transport. The room temperature behavior is analyzed as a function of tellurium concentration (x) and chalcogen defect fraction (delta). X ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy reveal lattice expansion and symmetry reduction with increasing x, consistent with a 2H to 1Td structural transition above a critical composition xc about 18 percent. Piezoresponse force microscopy identifies piezoelectricity near stoichiometric compositions (delta less than 5 percent) and switchable ferroelectricity in the chalcogen deficient regime (delta greater than 20 percent). Magnetometry measurements show a corresponding evolution from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic behavior with increasing delta. Near stoichiometric Te poor samples exhibit piezoelectric and paramagnetic responses, whereas multiferroic states characterized by the coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic responses emerge at high vacancy concentrations. The performed characterizations indicate that x primarily governs structural symmetry, while delta controls the emergence of both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric responses. These trends are summarized in a configurational phase diagram highlighting the cooperative influence of dopants and defects on ferroic behavior. Overall, controlled stoichiometry and vacancy engineering offer an effective strategy to tailor ferroic responses in transition metal dichalcogenides.