a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

43
1 Design and evaluation of piezoelectric response in a device based on liquid-phase exfoliated A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Science Author: Jhon Vergel In the Science faculty Physics Department Advisor: Yenny Hernadez PhD BogotΓ‘ D.C. Colombia 2019 Design and evaluation of piezoelectric response in a device based on liquid-phase exfoliated Jhon Sebastian Vergel Capacho

Upload: others

Post on 13-May-2022

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

1

Design and evaluation of piezoelectric response in a

device based on liquid-phase exfoliated π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

of Bachelor of Science

Author: Jhon Vergel

In the

Science faculty

Physics Department

Advisor:

Yenny Hernadez PhD

BogotΓ‘ D.C. Colombia

2019

Design and evaluation of piezoelectric response in a

device based on liquid-phase exfoliated π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ

Jhon Sebastian Vergel Capacho

Page 2: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

2

Universidad de los Andes

Abstract Two-dimensional materials have attracted much interest in the last

years mainly because when quantum confinement is in place new

properties appear. That is the case of single layer or odd layers of

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. When confined to 2 dimensions, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 presents new

properties, this change is due in part by the loss of centrosymmetry.

Additionally, second-order responses appear like second-harmonic

generation and piezoelectricity, in the case of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2.Then is

essential to characterize this type of material in its 2D forms. Our

study shows a way to deposit MoS2 using spray coating, and with

this process we can study the topology of the MoS2 flakes; we also

see the preferred way in which the MoS2 stacks. Two materials

were studied, graphene and PMMA, as a possible energy

transductor, for piezoelectric measurements, and it was found that

in the current configuration graphene does not work as a

transductor, and there is need to do further investigation on the

PMMA

Table of contents Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5

Theoretical background and previous work ............................................................................ 8

2.1. Molybdenum Disulfide monolayer properties .............................................................. 8

2.1.1. Piezoelectric effect in transition metal dichalcogenides .......................................... 10

2.1.2. Second Harmonic Generation ................................................................................... 12

2.2. Previous work ................................................................................................................ 13

Materials and methods ............................................................................................................ 14

3 .1) π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ liquid-phase exfoliation ..................................................................................... 14

3 .2) Graphene electroquimical exfoliation ........................................................................ 17

3.4) PMMA and PDMS synthesis ....................................................................................... 18

3 .5) Spin coating to deposit polymers ................................................................................ 20

3 .6) Spray coating to deposit nanolayers .......................................................................... 21

Page 3: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

3

3 .7) Silver layer by thermal evaporation .......................................................................... 22

3 .8) Heat treatment ............................................................................................................. 22

3 .9) Experimental assembly for structural properties ..................................................... 23

3 .10) Experimental assembly for absorbance curve and concentration curve .............. 24

Results and analysis ................................................................................................................. 26

4.1. Liquid phase exfoliation results ................................................................................... 26

4.2. π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ layer ..................................................................................................................... 29

4.3. Graphene as an energy transducer .............................................................................. 34

4.4. PMMA as an energy transducer .................................................................................. 37

Conclusions and future work .................................................................................................. 40

References .................................................................................................................................. 42

FIGURE 1 (A) SIDE VIEW OF THE STRUCTURE OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 IN BLOCK; (B) TOP VIEW OF A

SINGLE LAYER OF π‘€π‘œπ‘ 2;(C) SIDE VIEW OF A SINGLE LAYER π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. IN COLOR YELLOW THE S-ATOMS AND IN COLOR GREY MO-ATOMS [7] ............................................

9 FIGURE 2 PROPOSED PROTOTYPE TO MEASURE PIEZOELECTRICITY IN LIQUID PHASE

EXFOLIATED π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. ....................................................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 3 PROCESS OF LIQUID PHASE EXFOLIATION FOR π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. A) PICTURE SHOWING THE

ULTRASONIC BATH. THIS PROCESS IS NEEDED TO MAKE A HOMOGENEOUS MIXTURE.B) PICTURE SHOWING SONIC TIP NEEDED TO INTRODUCE MECHANICAL FORCES TO ASSIST THE EXFOLIATION. C) VACUUM FILTER ARRANGEMENT USED TO KEEP ONLY THE EXFOLIATED MATERIAL D) CENTRIFUGE USED TO SEPARATE THE MORE MASSIVE PARTICLES FROM THE LIGHTER. E)-F) IN E SHOWS THE PRODUCT OF THE CENTRIFUGE. IN F IS SHOWN, ONLY THE MATERIAL THAT FLOATED IS PRESENT, AS THIS IS THE PRODUCT OF THE EXFOLIATION PROCESS. ...........................

15 FIGURE 4 PROCESS OF ELECTROCHEMICAL EXFOLIATION FOR GRAPHENE. A)

ASSEMBLY FOR THE ELECTROCHEMICAL EXFOLIATION, ON THE LEFT THE POWER

SOURCE AND ON THE RIGHT THE BEFORE AND AFTER B) VACUUM FILTER ARRANGEMENT USED TO KEEP ONLY THE EXFOLIATED MATERIAL C) CENTRIFUGE USED TO SEPARATE THE HEAVIER PARTICLES FROM THE LIGHTER D) SHOWS THE PRODUCT OF THE CENTRIFUGE E) SUSPENSION WITH ONLY GRAPHENE IN IT. .............................

17 FIGURE 5 ON THE LEFT PDMS FILLED WITH BUBBLES, ON THE RIGHT AFTER 10 MINUTES

ON THE VACUUM CHAMBER WITHOUT BUBBLES ............................................................... 19 FIGURE 6 SPINCOATER MODEL WS-650MZ-23NPPB0. USEFUL IN THE PROSSES OF PMMA

COATING, IT ALLOWS US TO CONTROL THE THICKNESS WITH THE VARIATION OF THE ANGULAR SPEED. ................................................................................................................. 20

FIGURE 7 SPRAY COATER, CONSISTING OF A MECHANICAL BOX AND A HEATING PLATE. THE SAMPLES SIT IN THE MIDDLE AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE. .......................................

21

Page 4: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

4

FIGURE 8 CALIBRATION CURVE USING THE 635NM MAXIMUM FROM THE ABSORPTION

SPECTRA. THE LINEAR REGRESSION FOUND RELATES TO THE KNOWN CONCENTRATION OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 MONOLAYER WITH THE ABSORBANCE MEASURED AT THIS POINT. ERROR BARS SHOW THE STANDARD ERROR ON THE MEAN. ....................

26 FIGURE 9 ABSORPTION SPECTRA FOR THE π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. THE LETTERS REPRESENT THE METHOD

USED, R’ DESCRIBES A METHOD IN WHICH THE SONIC TIP STEP GOES FOR 4 HOURS

AND J’ 3 HOURS. ALSO, THE 630NM AND 690NM LINE SHOWS WERE THE EXPECTED MAXIMUMS SHOULD APPEAR IF IS THE CASE OF EXFOLIATED π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. ...........................

27 FIGURE 10 FLUORESCENCE SPECTRUMS FOR EXFOLIATED π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, THREE SPECTRUMS ARE

SHOWN AT 370NM,300NM,500NM. THE INTENSITY IS ON ARBITRARY UNITS. ..............

29 FIGURE 11 OPTICAL IMAGES OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 DEPOSITED OVER SIO, THE MASS OF THE

MATERIAL DEPOSITED GROWS FROM A) TO B). ................................................................... 30 FIGURE 12 SEM IMAGES FOR THE π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 DEPOSITED OVER SIO, THE MASS OF THE

MATERIAL DEPOSITED GROWS FROM A) TO B). ................................................................... 31 FIGURE 13 SEM IMAGE OF A CRISTAL OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 DEPOSITED OVER SIO; THE TRIANGULAR

SHAPE IS EXPECTED FROM THE LATTICE DISTRIBUTION. ................................................ 32 FIGURE 14 COMPOSITION ANALYSIS FOR A NANOLAYERED π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, THE TOP IMAGE

SHOWS SEM RESULTS, AND THE BOTTOM ONE THE POSSIBLE ELEMENTS IN THE IMAGE. ............................................................................................................................................. 33

FIGURE 15 COMPOSITION ANALYSIS FOR STRANGE STRUCTURES IN THE SAMPLES OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 OVER SIO, THE TOP IMAGE SHOWS SEM RESULTS, AND THE BOTTOM ONE THE POSSIBLE ELEMENTS IN THE IMAGE. THE STRUCTURES ON THE IMAGE ARE FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATION. ............................................................................................................ 33

FIGURE 16 OPTICAL COMPARISON OF THE BEST RESULTS FOR THE HEAT TREATMENT

PROCEDURE. IN A) NO TREATMENT APPLIED, B) CONVECTION OVEN 2 HOURS, AND C) CONVECTION OVEN 4 HOURS. .............................................................................................. 34

FIGURE 17 GRAPHENE ABSORBANCE CURVE. 4 SAMPLES MADE WITH THE SAME

PROCEDURE ARE COMPARED. 258 NM IS THE EXPECTED MAXIMA FOR GRAPHENE; THE CASE OF GRAPHITE IS AROUND 275 NM. ........................................................................

35 FIGURE 18 SIO-CR-AU-π‘€π‘œπ‘†2-GRAPHENE SAMPLES IN ORDER OF LAYERS. THE TOP

SIDE SHOWS THE GRAPHENE FORMING LAYER, WHICH IS REFLECTIVE. ON THE

BOTTOM, THE MASK USED PROTECT THE SIO-CR-AU LAYERS. .......................................................... 36

FIGURE 19 SIO-CR-AU-π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. -GRAPHENE-AG LAYERS IN SCALING ORDER, ON TOP OF THE

SAMPLES. SIO-CR-AU-MOS2-GRAPHENE LAYERS ON THE MIDDLE INTERFACE. AND SIO-CR-AU ON THE BOTTOM. ..................................................................................................... 37 FIGURE 20 PMMA THICKNESS TEST SAMPLES. .............................................................................. 38

FIGURE 21 SEM IMAGE OF THE LATERAL VIEW OF THE 9000RPM SAMPLE OF PMMA. THE

BOTTOM PART IS THE SIO-CR-AU-MOS2, THE FLAKES OF MOS2 LOOKING LIKE LITTLE BUMPS, OVER THAT A BIG GAP AND THEN THE PMMA THE SIGNIFICANT LAYER ON THE TOP OF THE IMAGE. ........................................................................................ 39

EQUATION 1 BASIS VECTORS FOR THE CELL UNIT OF π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 ....................................................... 8 EQUATION 2 A) DIRECT PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT, WHERE P IS THE POLARIZATION (π‘πΆπ‘š2)

𝜎 IS THE STRESS(π‘π‘š2) AND D IS THE PIEZOELECTRIC COEFFICIENT(𝑝𝐢𝑁);B) SHOWS THE INVERSE PIEZOELECTRIC COEFFICIENT ........................................................................ 11

EQUATION 3 SHOWS THE PIEZOELECTRIC FORMULA IN MATRIX REPRESENTATION, AND THE EXPRESSION TO FIND THE COMPONENTS OF THE POLARIZATION. .......................

11 EQUATION 4 RELATES THICKNESS T AND ANGULAR VELOCITY IN THE PROCESS OF SPIN-

Page 5: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

5

COATING [18] .................................................................................................................................. 20 EQUATION 5 BEER-LAMBERT LAW. RELATES ABSORBANCE AND CONCENTRATION. A IS

THE ABSORBANCE; πœ€ IS THE MOLAR COEFICCENT; C IS THE MOLAR CONCENTRATION, AND L IS THE OPTICAL LENGTH. .......................................................... 25

TABLE 1 SAMPLES OF THE π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 DEPOSIT TEST, WITH DIFFERENT MASSES .........................

30 TABLE 2 INFORMATION ABOUT THE MULTIPLES TEST MADE TO ELIMINATE THE

BUBBLES THAT APPEARED ON THE PMMA ............................................................................ 40

Chapter 1

Introduction

The piezoelectric effect is the direct relationship between mechanical and electrical

systems. This type of effect occurs linearly in materials that have a noncentrosymmetric

crystal structure, which means it is not invariant under a mirror transformation. Then a

medium can be defined as piezoelectric if given an external mechanical stress one gets a

dielectric displacement. In the same way, given an external electric field, one gets a strain

in the material. [1] Since 1880, when the Pierre brothers first described it, this effect had

been studied both in a practical and a theoretical way.

Based on the bast amount of studies, nowadays, piezoelectric devices are widely used in

all kinds of electronic devices like smartphones, alarm clocks, peacemakers, among

others. Traditionally, piezoelectricity is found and highly studied in bulk materials, also

seen as three-dimensional systems [2].

However, some materials show different properties in bulk and as they do in 2 or 1

dimensions. Given this, in recent times it became more attractive to take well-known bulk

materials and lower their dimensionality and observe the change in their properties. In

particular, taking an interest in thin films that show piezoelectricity, modeled as a

Page 6: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

6

bidimensional film. Therefore, if one now confines the system to a bidimensional film, it

is granted the development of new and more precise devices. This reduction in size is a

direct cause of the symmetry of the material. For example, hexagonal structures, when

being confined to 2-dimensional films, present a break in the symmetry in such a way that

piezoelectricity arises. This appearance has allowed prediction of this type of behavior in

graphene oxides, hexagonal BN monolayers also, transition metals dichalcogenides. [1]

As a consequence of the above, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 monolayers generate high interest given their

possible applications on devices that take advantage in a novel way of their

piezoelectricity, which has shown that it can be more efficient in the production of

mechanical energy to electricity than its counterparts in bulk. Also, thin layers have more

versatility because of the opportunities of fabricating nanodevices, resulting in a broad

interest in the area of biomedicine. [3] Then, this interest in the area has spawned

numerous studies around monolayer π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, and few-layered MoS2, from its synthesis,

properties, both in a theoretical and experimental way. [4]

Furthermore, in π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, the odd-numbered layers had been first theoretically proposed to

have piezoelectricity, because they can maintain atomic structures in monolayers and this

state occurs a break in the inversion symmetry. The break means a non-centrosymmetric

making a system suitable for piezoelectricity.

Additionally, it exists experimental evidence of the piezoelectricity in 2D monolayers and

even odd layers. Nevertheless, the low dimensionality comes with problems, like been

thermodynamically unstable. [5]

The main objective of this study is the elaboration of processes to deposit, in a Si

substrate, the liquid phase exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, and study some of its properties like a second-

order phenomenon and the extinction coefficient; also, study the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 crystals optically

and morphologically. Furthermore, find a suitable material for energy transduction to

implement a device based on the liquid phase exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 over a conductive substrate

Page 7: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

7

to evaluate the piezoelectric response macroscopically. With those objectives in mind,

standardized way of deposit crystals of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 over a thin conductive layer, of gold or

silver, thermally evaporated over a silicon substrate was developed. Also, this study

focuses on evaluating the voltage output of the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 using graphene and

PMMA as a transductor.

Page 8: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

8

Chapter 2

Theoretical background and previous work

2.1. Molybdenum Disulfide monolayer properties

Molybdenum disulfide (π‘€π‘œπ‘†2), is part of the metals transition dichalcogenides, it has a

hexagonal crystal structure of 2 S atoms, and 1 Mo atom, shown Figure 1 is a pictorial

representation of the crystal structure of the monolayer, lack of a centrosymmetric

arrangement is one of the critical properties that differentiate the bulk and the monolayer

forms of this material. Then the unit cell can be characterized by the lattice parameters Ξ±,

the in-plane lattice constant, and c, the out-of-plane lattice constant.

[6]

Equation 1 Basis vectors for the cell unit of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2

Page 9: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

9

Figure 1 (a) Side view of the structure of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 in block; (b) Top view of a single layer of

π‘€π‘œπ‘ 2;(c) Side view of a single layer π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. In color yellow the S-atoms and in color grey

Mo-atoms [7]

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is diamagnetic, with an indirect bandgap semiconductor; it has optical properties,

such as photoluminescence, showing two excitonic peaks at 1.92eV (A), and 2.08eV (B).

Some properties differ when confined to 2 dimensions. First of all, the

piezoelectric effect emerges. Another different property is that the bulk bandgap is

indirect, and the monolayer band gap is direct. In monolayer, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 shows an optical gap

of 1.8-1.9 eV [6]. Also, the photoluminescence intensity increase in a 1000-fold and other

optical properties as the second harmonic generation (SHG) can be measured. [8]

In this section, we will discuss how piezoelectricity works, and how the process

of SHG, since both are second-order nonlinear phenomena present in nanolayers of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2

important in the characterization of the material in its 2D configuration.

Page 10: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

10

2.1.1. Piezoelectric effect in transition metal

dichalcogenides

Piezoelectricity is one of the properties intimately related to the crystal structure

of the material. Given a molecular structure where negative and positive charges coincide

in the center of symmetry is clear that the molecule results in an electrically neutral

arrangement. Now, if one applies external mechanical stress to the molecule in a given

axis, it is possible to displace the charges resulting in a dipole moment. In other words,

polarizing the material. [9]. This process of converting mechanical stress into a

polarization is what is known as the piezoelectric effect, and the process in which an

external magnetic field causes a strain in the material is known as the inverse piezoelectric

effect. Furthermore, for the molecule to stop being neutral after external stress is applied

is necessary for it to be non-centrosymmetric. If a stress is applied in any direction in a

centrosymmetric crystal, the crystal will remain neutral, granting no polarization.

Transition metal dichalcogenides, in bulk, are centrosymmetric due to being

experimentally observed to have a 2H structure with alternating species [6]. The force

between the layers of the 2H-TMDC is of the van der walls type, making possible the

separation in monolayers given this, it is clear that there is a break in the inversion center,

ergo piezoelectricity arises. Additionally, it can be proven mathematically that the lack of

centrosymmetry has the consequence that all the odd rank tensors properties may be

nonzero. In general, the piezoelectric tensor is of the third-rank. [10].

The mathematical approximation can be done with tensors and can be better

understood using matrixes as the preferred representation. The formula for the direct

effect and the converse effect can be seen in Equation 2, and this is the general form;

Page 11: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

11

nevertheless, the piezoelectric effect is orientation-dependent so that it can be express in

matrix form.

π‘Ž)𝑃 = π‘‘πœŽ

𝑏) πœ€ = 𝑑𝐸

Equation 2 a) Direct piezoelectric effect, where P is the polarization, 𝜎 is the

Stress and d is the piezoelectric coefficient b) Shows the inverse piezoelectric

coefficient

Equation 3 shows the piezoelectric formula in matrix representation, and the expression

to find the components of the polarization.

On the other hand, Equation 3 shows the matrix representation of the direct

piezoelectric effect. Where πœŽπ‘˜ relates to the direction of the stress applied 1,2,3 are the

axes x,y,z, and 4,5,6 to shear stress.

Hence, using the mathematical approach, it was predicted piezoelectric in

TMDCS, in this project is of interest just one of them, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. Between the theoretical

prediction of piezoelectricity in monolayers of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, and now, multiple studies have

shown that given the symmetry of the crystal and the two dimensions approach; there are

only a couple of d coefficients that will be independent and different to 0. The principal

being 𝑑11, calculated to be 2.91π‘π‘šπ‘‰ The first subscript is the strain direction, and the second

Page 12: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

12

one is the polarization direction. Meaning the most significant piezoelectric response is in

the X-axis, or by and the response in the same direction. [11]On the other hand, in this

project, the coefficient at interest is the 𝑑13 , several times lower than the 𝑑11 also a

nonzero coefficient, since it is related to the 𝜎3 ,s tress on the z direction , and it is more

accessible in this direction to design a force actuator. Another exciting direction is the

sheer force which is also dependent on the 𝑑16 coefficient but this coefficient is at the

same time depend on the 𝑑11, wich means that applying a sheer force give a response on

the x-direction and with the maximum magnitude expected for

the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2.

2.1.2. Second order optical response

Other second-order phenomenon of interest in this project ia the second order

nonlinear optical response of the material which could be observed as second harmonic

generation (SHG) or as spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC). Moreover,

this kind of phenomenon arises in noncentrosymmetric crystals, where the optical

susceptibility Ο‡ is that of the second order, Ο‡ (2)

In π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, it has been measured SHG from atomically thin samples, and it has been

shown a strong SHG in odd layers; this expected since the phenomenon of SHG is stronger

for a non-centrosymmetric crystal. SHG is described by a third-rank tensor in the electric

dipole approximation, which is also the one responsible for the information on the

symmetry of surface layers. Using the mentioned tensor, the inversion symmetry break

can be affirmed if the SHG is largely enhanced. However, SPDC has not been measured

in π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 yet, despite having been theoretically predicted [8].

Page 13: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

13

2.2. Previous work

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is a material broadly studied in bulk and the recent decade in nanolayers. Also,

some devices exist that make use of the nonlinear responses of this material, especially

the optical ones as SHG (second harmonic generation), PL(Photoluminicense), and some

light-induced electric properties to develop phototransistors. [12]

However, in the advancement of piezoelectric devices, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 has not been broadly

used. Other materials 2D as ZnO shows how can nanoscale mechanical energy be

converted into macroscopically electrical energy employing the piezoelectric modes, with

power generating efficiency that varies from 17 to 30 percent. [2], [13]. ZnO larger

piezoelectric coefficient is measured to be 44.33 pm/v, but this could vary taking in

account

the fabrication and deposition methods, this coefficient is several times larger than the

one discussed for π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 hover using the appropriated energy transducer this is not a

problem, π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 presents other properties like thermal resistance. In the development of a

ZnO nanogenerators, a substrate of PTFE is gold-coated to work as a bottom electrode,

then ZnO is deposited in a nanowire arrangement, and PMMA surrounding the nanowires,

at the top is a silver-coated layer as the other electrode [14]

Page 14: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

14

Chapter 3

Materials and methods

Now its time to describe the method used to synthesize the needed materials, and

also the methods used to develop the multiple devices. The prototype proposed at first for

the device, consisting of a silicon oxide wafer of 1.5 cm X 1.5 cm with a chrome and thin

gold layer as a conductive bottom electrode over the complete area. Moreover, a π‘€π‘œπ‘†2

layer comes over approximately ΒΎ of the area, on top of this comes a transducer layer, it

could be either PMMA or graphene; on top of the transducer is situated a silver-coated

layer as the top electrode and a cable is connected to both of the electrodes to measure

electrical properties.

Figure 2 Proposed prototype to measure piezoelectricity in liquid phase exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2.

3 .1) π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ liquid-phase exfoliation

Page 15: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

15

For the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, liquid-phase exfoliation was used. NMP(N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone) as

stabilizing solvent was used, assisting in the liquid exfoliation. The mixture for the

exfoliation consists of 7.5ml of 𝐻2𝑂 millipore, 12.5 ml NMP and 100mg of powdered

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. It is essential to know that this mixture will produce heat, and for the process to be

successful, it is done with constant contact with ice, of course not directly. Once the

mixture is complete, the next step as is shown in Figure 3, is to sonicate the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 to have

a homogenous compound. The time for this process is 1 hour. Additionally, in the

ultrasonic bath, the temperature is maintained under 15 CΒ°.

Figure 3 Process of liquid phase exfoliation for π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. A) picture showing the ultrasonic

bath. This process is needed to make a homogeneous mixture.B) picture showing sonic

tip needed to introduce mechanical forces to assist the exfoliation. C) vacuum filter

arrangement used to keep only the exfoliated material D) centrifuge used to separate the

more massive particles from the lighter. E)-F) in E shows the product of the centrifuge.

In F is shown, only the material that floated is present, as this is the product of the

exfoliation process.

As mentioned before, if the temperature rises, the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 could change its

composition, and the process will not be successful. The next step is B in Figure 3; this is

Page 16: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

16

the primary process of the exfoliation. This step works by introducing a sonic force

through the tip. π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 has various layers composed with hexagonal planes of S atoms on

either side of a hexagonal plane of Mo atoms, these planes stack on top of each other with

weak van der Waals forces. [15] Exploiting the weak forces between planes, using the

sheer force produced by the sonic tip is possible to separate the planes and get monolayers.

In this process too, is needed the ice because the sonic tip by its movement will introduce

heat. The time for this step depends on the protocol used, as it will be discussed in the

results.

The next step, C in Figure 3, is to use the vacuum filter arrangement to drain all the

NMP, and left behind is just the exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. The filter used in this process is a 0.1

Β΅m filter, that lets the 𝐻2𝑂 and the NMP pass but not the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 flakes. To make sure all

the NMP possible is no longer in the material. 𝐻2𝑂 millipore is poured at least five times

to the arrangement. After the process is completed, the only thing left behind is a grey

mass on top of the filter. This mass goes to a redispersion process in H20 millipore. The

volume of H2O is based on the protocol that will is shown in the results; this step is done

in a falcon flask.

The next step is D in Figure 3, using the centrifuge for 1.5 hours at 1.2k RPM. The

dispersion of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 suffers a mass separation on the principle that more massive crystals

move faster and farther from the central point of the system. In the end, in the recipient is

left the heavier masses on the bottom and walls, and the lighter masses floating in the

dispersion, this part that floats is the one at interest, as mentioned before, this project has

a particular interest in monolayers. The monolayers are the lighter in the bunch, so from

E to F, only the upper part is taken to ensure taking mostly monolayers.

Page 17: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

17

3 .2) Graphene electroquimical exfoliation

Figure 4 process of electrochemical exfoliation for graphene. A) assembly for the

electrochemical exfoliation, on the left the power source and on the right the before and

after B) vacuum filter arrangement used to keep only the exfoliated material C)

centrifuge used to separate the heavier particles from the lighter D) shows the product

of the centrifuge E) suspension with only graphene in it.

The graphene is obtained by taking a piece of graphite and exfoliating it. In Figure

4 the overall process to produce graphene by electrochemical exfoliation is shown, in A

the voltage source and the main assembly for the exfoliation composed of a piece of

graphite paper, with dimensions 1.5cm X 1.5cm X 0.03mm, in the working electrode, and

a platinum rod as the auxiliary electrode are displayed. This setup is submerged partially

in 100ml of 𝐻2𝑆𝑂4 at 0.1M. A constant voltage of 8.5 V passes through the system,

causing a dissociation on the ions of the acid. These ions are driven by the electric

potential to move to de electrodes, the 𝐻+ are attracted to the platinum rod and the 𝑆𝑂4βˆ’

is attracted to the graphite. The 𝑆𝑂4βˆ’ is the exfoliating factor, interfering between the Van

der Waals forces that exist between the layers of graphite, leaving the lightest layers of

graphene floating.

Page 18: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

18

Afterwards, on the flask is left mostly graphite layers suspended in the acid, the

next step is to put the suspension in a vacuum filter system as seen in B, using a 0.1 Β΅m

filter. After at least five uses of 𝐻2𝑂 millipore to drain al the acid, the dry material is put

in a falcon recipient with 50 ml of 𝐻2𝑂 and then was put in the centrifuge, as seen in c,

for 90 minutes at 3500 rpm for 1 hour. The product of the centrifuge can be seen in D, the

massive particles attach to the sides and the bottom, and the useful part for this project is

the graphene floating in the upper part, this material was extracted and can be seen in E.

3.4) PMMA and PDMS synthesis

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is a synthetic polymer that comes from the monomer

methylmethacrylate. PMMA is most notable for its use as a replacement for glass because

it is a transparent thermoplastic, has high resistance, and is a dielectric. This last property

is of especial interest in this research. [16]

There are multiple ways to synthesize PMMA; however, one of the cheapest ways is

solution polymerization of PMMA. This method consists of the use of an MMA resin and

a catalyst. In this process, the mixture is used in a 1:1 proportion and stir using a magnetic

stirrer hot plate for 20 minutes. Additionally, acetone is used to control the density of the

mixture to facilitate the process of homogenization and deposition. The acetone

evaporates a room temperature leaving only the PMMA in the end.

On the other hand, to deposit in a flexible substrate is often used

PDMS(Polydimethylsiloxane), which is a type of organic silicon, useful again for its easy

use and easy fabrication and dielectric constant of 2.4. [17] PDMS consist too in a resing

of

Page 19: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

19

DMS and a catalyst that polymerizes the mixture, the ratio used is 20:1. To stir is used a

plastic fork; this leads to bubbles, so 10 minutes in a vacuum chamber is used to get rid

of them.

Figure 5 On the left PDMS filled with bubbles, on the right after 10 minutes on the

vacuum chamber without bubbles

Moreover, the application of these materials, PMMA and PDMS, is over the layer of

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 to conduct the energy created in the process of piezoelectric conversion, as shown

before the mechanical energy gets converted to a polarization, is then used the dielectric

properties of those polymers to transport the energy to a metallic contact.

Page 20: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

20

3 .5) Spin coating to deposit polymers.

Figure 6 Spincoater model WS-650MZ-23NPPB0. Useful in the prosses of PMMA

coating, it allows us to control the thickness with the variation of the angular speed.

The next step is to deposit the PMMA and PDMS over a Si substrate. It is used then a

spin coater, the one in Figure 6 since this method relates the thickness and angular

velocity:

To deposit the PMMA and PDMS, a spin coater is used. The thickness and the angular

velocity are related in this method as Equation 4 shows.

𝑑 ∝1

βˆšπ‘€

Equation 4 Relates thickness t and angular velocity in the process of spin-coating [18]

Then the variable to adjust is only the angular velocity, given that the method does not

relate the volume, time, nor another variable; the constant depends only on the material.

Later, in the results chapter, it will be shown that the angular velocity is not the only

variable overall that needs to be taken into account. Also, it is essential to control the

Page 21: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

21

amount of acetone in the case of the PMMA and the method of pouring the material; there

are two options, static and dynamic. In the static case, a 500ml drop of the material is

poured before the process starts, and in the dynamic case, the pouring process occurs

during a slow angular velocity step.

3 .6) Spray coating to deposit nanolayers

Figure 7 Spray coater, consisting of a mechanical box and a heating plate. The samples

sit in the middle at a high temperature.

Page 22: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

22

The spray coater in Figure 7, shows the method used to deposit the nanomaterials on the

silicon substrate. For the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 the mechanical part moves at the medium setting to let the

material being deposited evaporate, the heating plate is set to 200 CΒ°., that is the boiling

temperature for NMP, and it is over the water boiling temperature. The idea is to spray

the substrate with the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 suspension, and at this temperature, all but the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 should

evaporate. On the other hand, the settings for the graphene are the same, with the

exception that the temperature is not enough to evaporate any left sulfuric acid, so the

temperature is only used to evaporate the water quickly and keep the layer homogenous.

The quantity of material is discussed later in the results section.

3 .7) Silver layer by thermal evaporation

Thermal evaporation is a process in which a material, in this case, silver, is heated

to its boiling point. Using a vacuum chamber, this material undergoes condensation over

the substrate. This process is used to create a 100 nm layer over the part of the device

needed, in this project it is used to create a contact over the layer the possible transducers,

and it was also studied as a possible conducting layer to replace the gold,and this way

have a process that can be done entirely at the University of Los Andes while also

diminishing the costs. In the case of silver as a contact, the process is complemented with

silver paint to contact a cable and make current and voltage measurements.

3 .8) Heat treatment

Another process that was necessary to add was a heat treatment step. This step comes

right after the deposition of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2; the wafer goes to either a vacuum oven or a

conventional convection oven, different times and temperatures were used as shown in

Page 23: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

23

the next section. This process is to eliminate the chemical residues that can be still in the

wafer since the melting point of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is 2.375 Β° C; There is no risk to eliminate the

monolayers, and the boiling point of water is 100 Β°C; of NMP is 200Β°C but under vacuum

goes down to 105 Β°C

3 .9) Experimental assembly for structural

properties

Multiple assemblies were present in the progress of this project. First of all, an optical

microscope was used as a way to observe the differences in the samples when variables

like concentration and temperature in the heat process, were changed.

The process of taking images is simple. First, the sample goes to a sample holder, using

a computer, and the program from Olympus pictures are taken, depending on the

magnification a reference is taken too at the same height and focus. To process the image

first the reference is used to create a relation between pixels and meters; a bar with its size

in meters is inserted in the image, and a black and white filter is overlaid over the image

to have better contrast.

Second of all, a scanning electron microscope (SEM)enables us to see the sample almost

on a nanometric scale. The SEM works by scanning the sample with a focused electron

beam; the beams then undergo processes of scattering and interactions with the sample,

and later a detector obtains the angle and intensity of the electrons after the interactions.

The preparation of the samples is as follows; the exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is on top of a SiO wafer

without a gold-coated layer; this is crucial because a conducting surface can mess with

the electron beam; thus, the signal obtained. The sample then goes in the SEM, and the

Page 24: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

24

rest of the analysis is internal in the program, in the end, an image is obtained like Figure

13

Finally, an AFM, Asylum Research MFP-3D-BIO, is used too to understand the

topography of the sample. AFM stands for an atomic force microscope; this method works

by using a cantilever with a sharp tip, sometimes in the scale of atoms, to scan a surface

either in contact or non-contact modes. A laser is pointed to the back of the cantilever,

and when the cantilever gets deflected by repulsive forces the variation on the cantilever

gets detected by the laser, and this information is the one that shows the topography. Not

only shows the area but also the depth in the sample.

3 .10) Experimental assembly for absorbance curve

and concentration curve

It is critical to ensure the correct exfoliation of the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2; with this end in mind, a Uv-vis

was used. A spectrophotometer is an instrument that allows measuring, to a given

wavelength, beam how much signal is absorbed by the sample. Every crystal absorbs in

different wavelengths, and so the curve generated differs one from the other, in the case

of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, a water suspension of bulk material have an absorbance curve different from the

absorbance curve of liquid-phase exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. To prepare the sample is needed, the

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 after the exfoliation still suspended in water, first a reference is taken, from 200nm

to 1100nm in wavelength, this reference is from the same water used in the process of

exfoliation without the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. Next, a measure of the sample is taken in the same range

as before; the sample goes in a quartz recipient of known volume. In the end, an

absorbance curve is obtained.

Page 25: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

25

On the other hand, the maximums of the mentioned absorbance curve can be

related to the concentration of the sample by doing a calibration curve. This relationship

follows the beer lambert law, Equation 5. This law represents a linear relation between

absorbance and the molar concentration. After exfoliation, the mass is an unknown, so in

order to do a calibration curve, it is necessary to filtrate the exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, weight its

mass, and disperse in a known volume. Knowing the volume and the mass we have the

concentration, then in order to get the calibration curve, we take the points of absorbance

in the maximums; with each point, it is possible to make a calibration. To make a curve,

it is needed multiple points, so this process is done the times that are needed.

𝐴 = πœ€π‘π‘™

Equation 5 Beer-Lambert law. Relates absorbance and concentration. A is the

absorbance; πœ€ is the molar coeficcent; c is the molar concentration, and l is the optical

length.

Page 26: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

26

Chapter 4

Results and analysis

4.1. Liquid phase exfoliation results

In this subsection, we will discuss the results obtained for the properties of liquid

phase exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. First, we want to know the concentration of the liquid samples,

because we are using it as a variable, making sure the other parameters are constant. Thus,

a calibration curve is made; in Figure 9, the absorption spectra show maximums at 635

nm and 690 nm. So Figure 8 shows a calibration curve, using the maximum on the

absorption spectra located at 690 nm.

Figure 8 Calibration curve using the 635nm maximum from the absorption spectra. The

linear regression found relates to the known concentration of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 monolayer with the

absorbance measured at this point. Error bars show the standard error on the mean.

Page 27: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

27

From the regressions is possible from now on establish the concentration in the rest of

the exfoliations, hence is possible to establish the mass too. Moreover, the regression is

useful to calculate the coefficient of the Beer-Lambert law(extinction coefficient), Using

Equation 5.

When compared with the study of [19], where the mean coefficient found was 690

ml/π‘šπ‘”βˆ—π‘š it is a difference of 23 percent when compared with our coefficient.

The procedure described in the following section to produce π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 monolayers

were developed in the nanomaterials laboratory. The exact times depended on the

protocol; various protocols were developed, in another unpublished study of the

Nanomaterials laboratory, to optimize the production of nanolayers. The two protocols

dimed the best for monolayer production are named R’ and J.’ They only differ in the

time of the sonic tip step, in R’ the time is 4 hours and in J’ is 3 hours.

Figure 9 Absorption spectra for the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. The letters represent the method used, R’

describes a method in which the sonic tip step goes for 4 hours and J’ 3 hours. Also, the

630nm and 690nm line shows were the expected Maximums should appear if is the case

of exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2.

Page 28: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

28

Additionally, Figure 9 shows the results obtained with the spectrophotometer for two

samples of R’ and two of J.’ Then the protocol selected for the exfoliation process from

now on is J’ since systematically can produce a more significant concentration, this is

important since the mass is going to be the only variable on the process of depositing the

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 over the SiO wafers. Also, a challenge shown in the same figure is that even when

doing the same protocol, the concentration varies, this can be explained in the filtration

process, since not all the filters are equal, sometimes more material is left over the filter

and not dispersed in the water.

Figure 10 Fluorescence spectrums for exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, three spectrums are shown at

370nm,300nm,500nm. The intensity is on arbitrary units.

On the other hand, fluorescence curves were taken to evaluate second order nonlinear

optical responses of the nanolayered π‘€π‘œπ‘†2; the sample preparation is the same as in the

case of the spectrophotometer; only in this case, the sample is shot with a photon beam

Page 29: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

29

of a specific wavelength, since the crystal are in suspension the beam hit in different

angles in various crystals, and then is measured the response in a range of wavelengths

bigger than the initial one. On figure Figure 10, it can be seen three fluorescence curves.

The maximums are centered around exactly double the wavelength of the source, or what

is the same half of the frequency. However, from the literature, it is known that the second

harmonic generation is angle dependent, so this does not give useful information about

SHG. To determine second order nonlinear optical responses other kind of setup is

needed.

4.2. π‘΄π’π‘ΊπŸ layer

After setting the parameters for the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 fabrication, the next step is to deposit the

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 nanolayers. The first test was to change the mass of nanolayered π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 to observe

the crystal distributions and topological properties. The idea is to form a complete layer

over the substrate, in this test, conformed only of SiO.

Sample # Mass

1 3.08

2 6.12

3 12.43

Table 1 samples of the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 deposit test, with different masses

Page 30: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

30

Figure 11 Optical images of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 deposited over SiO, the mass of the material

deposited grows from a) to b).

In figure 15, it is clear that when incrementing the mass the area density is bigger.

Another other remarks noted with the optical imaging, is that even doubling the mass

from sample 2 to 3, the difference is not that much in the layer formation, this means that

even though more crystal appears when augmenting the mass, those crystals agglomerate

and some spaces are always present. Also, some contamination was present when seen

under the microscope, the color of the crystals was white, and the contamination) n had a

reddish color. To further investigate this contamination and isolate the image of a cluster

of crystals, SEM was used.

a) b )

c)

Page 31: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

31

Figure 12 Sem images for the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 deposited over SiO, the mass of the material

deposited grows from a) to b).

Figure 13 Sem image of a cristal of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 deposited over Sio; the triangular shape is

expected from the lattice distribution.

a) b )

C)

Page 32: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

32

At this scale, it is abundantly clear that there are spaces between the crystals in all the

samples; even in sample 3, the SEM showed that is more the space empty than the

populated with the clusters of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. The preferred form of the nanolayers of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is a

triangle; this arises from the hexagonal crystal structure, Figure 13 shows one of this

crystals when is not in a cluster, the triangular shape coincides with the expected result;the

crystal has an approximate area of 0.6 Β΅m and is not a monolayer. However, the substrate

can be seen through the scattered signal, which means the thickness is in the nanometric

scale, although there is no way to know if is in an odd or even state. Figure 14 shows the

composition of the same crystal, Mo, Si, S, are present in a significant fraction confirming

that is a π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 crystal; however some c appears, this contamination is inevitable since the

principal produce of the laboratory is graphene and there is not a clean room to deposit

the nanolayers, other kinds of contamination are shown on Figure 15, the composition of

the contamination on that case is Cu,Zn and C. upon investigation it was found that the

source of Cu and Zn was the spray from the spray coater; this model had metallic paint

covering the interior where the suspended π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 goes, this covering was eliminated with

a strong acid to avoid this contamination.

Page 33: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

33

Figure 14 Composition analysis for a nanolayered π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, the top image shows SEM

results, and the bottom one the possible elements in the image.

Figure 15 Composition analysis for strange structures in the samples of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 over SiO,

the top image shows SEM results, and the bottom one the possible elements in the image.

The structures on the image are found to be contamination.

Also, in Figure 19, some drops can be seen in the image, those cannot be water

since the spray coating process occurs at 180 CΒ°, so the other option is NMP. To eliminate

the residual NMP, a sample is prepared with 15.8 mg of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 nanolayers. Then, two

different methods of heat treatment are proposed, first convection oven for 2,3,4 hours at

200 CΒ° and second vacuum oven for 2 hours at 150 CΒ°. Best results for samples with 15.8

mg, in a no-treatment, b convection oven 2 hours, and c 4 hours. The best result is obtained

by using the convection oven for 4 hours, the white covering around the white dots starts

to disappear, and the points stay, in SEM was shown that those points where precisely

the agglomerated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2.

Page 34: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

34

Figure 16 Optical comparison of the best results for the heat treatment procedure. In a)

no treatment applied, b) convection oven 2 hours, and c) convection oven 4 hours.

From now on, all the samples are prepared with no less than 12.0 mg of exfoliated

π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 and no more than 20 mg since the layers tend to agglomerate instead of covering

all the areas available. Also, heat treatment is added after the spray coating. Consisting of

4 hours of 200 CΒ°in a convection oven after.

4.3. Graphene as an energy transducer

a) b)

c)

Page 35: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

35

Figure 17 Graphene absorbance curve. 4 samples made with the same procedure are

compared. 258 nm is the expected maxima for graphene; the case of graphite is around

275 nm.

Graphene is a 2D material just as π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, so the absorption spectra is useful to

ensure the proper exfoliation of the material. The expected curve for the graphite

synthesized in the nanomaterial laboratory of the University of Los Andes has a maximum

at 258nm, while the graphite has a maximum at around 275nm. Figure 17 shows the

absorption curves for multiple water suspensions of graphene, is accessible to appreciate

that the method is consistent in converting graphite into graphene; however, the 4 curves

shown have different concentration, although they all came from the same roll of graphite

and underwent the same process, with the same instruments and acid. This phenomenon

could be because the electrochemical reaction might be susceptible to humidity, pressure,

and temperature, those variables can not be controlled in the laboratory as of now.

Additionally, there is no need to create a calibration curve for the graphene since

it is known from another unpublished project form the laboratory that once the graphene

forms a layer, it begins to be reflective as it can be seen on Figure 18. The graphene

successfully formed a layer on top of the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. The next step is to deposit a silver contact

on top of the graphene, this process was successful, too, and a complete device is shown

in Figure 19.

Page 36: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

36

Figure 18 SiO-Cr-Au-π‘€π‘œπ‘†2-Graphene samples in order of layers. The top side shows the

graphene forming layer, which is reflective. On the bottom, the mask used protect the SiO-

Cr-Au layers.

Page 37: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

37

Figure 19 SiO-Cr-Au-π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. -Graphene-Ag layers in scaling order, on top of the

samples. SiO-Cr-Au-MoS2-Graphene layers on the middle interface. And SiO-Cr-Au on

the bottom.

Finally, the graphene is studied as a transducer. The idea is to use the graphene to pick

up the signal from al the crystals that are in a monolayer or odd arrangement. However,

when measuring continuity, it was shown that the graphene was directly connected with

the gold, meaning that the circuit was shorted. This configuration does not represent the

ideal case, with this design then is not possible to use the graphene as a transducer, it was

observed that the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 does not form a complete layer so when the graphene was

deposited not only over the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 but in-between too, and, the graphene is a good electric

conductor, the signal that the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 could output cannot be registered since there is a short

circuit.

4.4. PMMA as an energy transducer

First of all, it is necessary to determine the preferred thickness of the layer, using Equation

4 we know that the variable to change is the angular velocity of the spin coater. The first

test was to variate the angular velocity; the PMMA was then deposited on glass wafers of

the same area of the real ones. Since the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 is expected to have a nanometric height

the PMMA wanted height is higher than 100nm but no so high that the signal dissipates.

Three of the samples from this test are displayed in Figure 20, while it may be to see in a

photo, to the naked eye is clear qualitatively wich one is thicker. Samples for 1000rpm,

to 12000rpm in 2000 steps were made, the best result was 9000rpm; at this angular

velocity, the PMMA layer looks thick enough to cover the nanolayer of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. Fewer rpm

the layers look so tick that the caliper still could measure the layer. More rpm, the PMMA

will not form a complete layer; in the corners and borders, the PMMA was missing.

Page 38: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

38

Additionally, a process of 1000 rpm was added before the selected 9000 rpm. This

permitted a more homogeneous layer with no bumps or valleys.

Figure 20 PMMA Thickness test samples.

On the other hand, a complete device was made just like in the graphene case but

changing that material to PMMA. This time the circuit was not shorted. However, when

measured in the oscilloscope, it was clear that this time, it simulated an open circuit.SEM

was used to observe a lateral view of the PMMA. From this process was found that the

thickness of the PMMA layer at 9000rpm is, on average 5Β΅m.

Furthermore, in the image appear to be a space between the PMMA and the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2, this

could be the reason that the device appeared as an open circuit. The next step was to

eliminate the air bubbles before the PMMA dries. To this end, a vacuum chamber and

convection over were used right after the process of spin coating.

Page 39: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

39

Figure 21 SEM image of the Lateral view of the 9000rpm sample of PMMA. The bottom

part is the SiO-Cr-Au-MoS2, the flakes of MoS2 looking like little bumps, over that a big

gap and then the PMMA the significant layer on the top of the image.

Procedure used Qualitative description

The vacuum chamber 10 minutes The bubbles rose to the surface, the same

amount

Convection oven 30 minutes 80 CΒ° Fewer bubbles but some still inside the

PMMA

Convection oven 30 minutes 100 CΒ° Fewer bubbles but some still inside the

PMMA

Convection 15 minutes 120 CΒ° Fewer bubbles but some still inside the

PMMA

The vacuum chamber 10 minutes then

Convection oven 30 minutes 100 CΒ°

Almost all the bubbles disappeared, but

the PMMA disappeared entirely from the

corners and borders

Table 2 Information about the multiples test made to eliminate the bubbles that appeared

on the PMMA

Following the results from Table 2, the method chosen was a vacuum chamber for 10

minutes and then convection oven 30 minutes at 100 CΒ°. A new device was done

following all the same parameters plus the process to get rid of the bubbles. The devices

had no apparent bubbles; nevertheless, due to the time scope of this project, it was no

possibility to add the silver contact and measure the ability of PMMA as a transducer nor

the macroscopic piezoelectric response of the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 layer.

Page 40: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

40

Chapter 5

Conclusions and future work

β€’ The process of liquid-phase exfoliation of π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 was successfully replicated,

obtaining a suspension of nanolayers, corroborated with the absorption curve.

β€’ The process of electrochemical exfoliation of graphene was successfully

replicated, obtaining a suspension of nanolayers corroborated with the absorption

curve.

β€’ The Beer-Lambert law was corroborated, finding a linear relationship between

concentration and absorbance. Hence, a calibration curve was successfully made.

β€’ The extinction coefficient for exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2was found to 545.2 π‘šπ‘™

π‘šπ‘”βˆ—π‘šFor the

690 maxima. Also, it is known to be an acceptable result since when comparing

to the literature is only 23 percent different, and the difference can arise from the

use of different instruments.

β€’ The second-order nonlinear phenomenon of second-harmonic generation was not

measured successfully in the water suspended exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2. It is needed an

optical configuration, where the orientation of the crystal is known, and the

detector is only in the expected angle to measure the outgoing photon.

β€’ The π‘€π‘œπ‘†2was deposited on a silicon wafer with success, via spray coating. It was

not found in the literature anyone that has done this before. There is still work to

improve this method but overall is cheaper than other methods like CVD.

β€’ Graphene is not useful as a transducer in the current configuration; the high

conductivity of the graphene causes the device to short circuit.

Page 41: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

41

β€’ Exfoliated π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 does not form a complete layer when deposited with spray

coating. The π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 flakes tend to agglomerate.

β€’ Evaporated silver does not adhere to SiO wafers due to small adhesives forces,

perturbation as temperature, mechanical forces or chemical reactions, can

compromise the adhesiveness of the silver.

β€’ It was developed a method to deposit PMMA with a thickness of 5Β΅m and a

method to extract the bubbles from the deposited PMMA.

Due to time constraints, some tests could not be reported. It was planned to finish a device

to prove PMMA transducing properties. Also, another substrate was going to be tested,

this is the case of flexible ITO, and PDMS was going to be tested as the transducer. It is

imperative to diminish the contamination, using a cleanroom. Future work towards

measuring the piezoelectric effect on the π‘€π‘œπ‘†2 and finding the conversion constant could

be made by completing the device proposed with the appropriated transducer. Also, Pl

measurements are needed to corroborate the existence of second order optical response in

the MoS2 once is deposited in a substrate and not suspended in water.

Page 42: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

42

References

[1] H. L. Z. A. K. S. a. R. G. H. Michael N. Blonsky, Β«Ab Initio Prediction of Piezoelectricity in

Two-Dimensional Materials,Β» ACS Nano, 2015.

[2] J. E. E. K. J. P. Jan Tichy, fundamentals of Piezo-electric Sensorics, london: springer, 2010.

[3] B. S. Z. L. a. Z. L. W. iang Zheng, Β«Recent Progress on Piezoelectric and Triboelectric

Energy Harvesters in Biomedical Systems,Β» Advanced Science, 2017.

[4] C. P. a. H. C. C. Intek Song, Β«synthesis and properties of molybdenum disulphide: from

bulk to atomic layers,Β» RSC Advances, 2014.

[5] Y. X. M. L. S. X. Z. J. W. X. Y. a. X. Z. Hanyu Zhu1, Β«Observation of piezoelectricity in

freestanding monolayer MoS2,Β» Nature, 2014.

[6] K. H. W. AlejandroMolina-SΓ‘ncheza, Β«Vibrational and optical properties of MoS2: From

monolayer to bulk,Β» sciencedirect, 2015.

[7] M. S. Ahmad Sohail, Β«A Comparative Study of Electronic Properties of Bulk MoS2 and Its

Monolayer Using DFT Technique: Application of Mechanical Strain on MoS2 Monolayer,Β»

Graphene, vol. 3, nΒΊ 4, pp. 52-59, 2014.

[8] l. Yilei y R. Yi, Β«Probing symmetry properties of few-layer MoS2 and h-bn by optical

second-harmonic generation,Β» Nano Letters, vol. 13, nΒΊ 7, pp. 3329-3333, 2013.

[9] M. V. Ravinder S. Dahiya, Robotic Tactile Sensing: Technologies and System, Genova:

Springer, 2013.

[10] J. F. Nye, Physical Properties of Crystals: Their Representation by tensors and matrices,

Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1957.

[11] M. T. O. a. E. J. R. Karel-Alexander N. Duerloo, Β«intrinsic Piezo-electricity in

TwoDimensional Materials,Β» J. Phys. Chem, 2012.

[12] Y. Zongyou y H. Li, Β«Single-Layer MoS 2 Phototransistors,Β» ACS Nano, vol. 6, nΒΊ 1, pp.

7480, 2012.

[13] Z. Wang, Β«Piezoelectric nanogenerators based on zinc oxide nanowire arrays,Β» Science,

vol. 312, nΒΊ 5771, pp. 242-246, 2006.

[14] F. Parisa y A. Babak, Β«Flexible hybrid structure piezoelectric nanogenerator based on ZnO

nanorod/PVDF nanofibers with improved output,Β» RSC Advances, vol. 9, nΒΊ 18, pp. 10117-

10123, 2019.

[15] ossila, 21 Septiembre 2019. [En lΓ­nea]. Available:

https://www.ossila.com/pages/molybdenum-disulfide-mos2.

Page 43: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree

43

[16] U. K. K. J. B. A. A. B. N. A. ALI, Β«A Review of the Properties and Applications of Poly (Methyl

Methacrylate) (PMMA),Β» Polymer Reviews, vol. 55, nΒΊ 4, pp. 678-705, 2015.

[17] Β«Synthesis, nanostructures and dielectric properties of novel liquid crystalline block

copolymers,Β» Polymer Chemistry, vol. 5, nΒΊ 7, p. 2513, 2014.

[18] G. V. Casquillas, Β«HOW TO DO A SPIN-COATED PDMS LAYER? – APPLICATION NOTE,Β»

Elverflow, 20 Agosto 2018. [En lΓ­nea]. Available:

https://www.elveflow.com/microfluidictutorials/soft-lithography-reviews-and-

tutorials/introduction-in-soft-lithography/pdmsmembrane-thickness-of-a-spin-coated-

pdms-layer/. [Último acceso: November ovember 2019].

[19] C. Backes, Β«Edge and confinement effects allow in situ measurement of size and thickness

of liquid-exfoliated nanosheets,Β» Nature Communications, vol. 5, nΒΊ 1, p. 4576, 2014.

[20] F. X. W.-J. H. ,. a. L.-J. L. Chaojie Cui1, Β«two-dimensional materials with piezoelectric and

ferroelectric functionalities,Β» Nature, 2018.

[21] X. W. J. S. J. L. a. Y. G. Zhong Lin Wang, Β«Piezoelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered

Nanodevices,Β» IEEE CS, 2008.

[22] E. K. A. M. C. Muharrem Acercel, Β«metallic molybdenum disulfide nanosheet-based

electrochemical actuators,Β» Nature, 2017.

[23] S. L. W. Zibiao Li, Β«Functionalization of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for biomedical

applications,Β» sciencedirect, 2017.

[24] a. Z. L. B. O. a. D. M. Tyler Stephenson, Β« Lithium ion battery applications of molybdenum

disulfide (MoS2) nanocomposites,Β» Energy & Environmental Science, 2014.

[25] M. acerce y E. K. Akdoğan, «Metallic molybdenum disulfide nanosheet-based

electrochemical actuators,Β» Nature, vol. 549, nΒΊ 7672, pp. 370-7373, 2017.