MoTe2 belongs to the class of the 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Electrical properties of the MoTe2 change as a function of the crystallographic structure. This phase has three structural polymorphs: 2H hexagonal (α) phase with semiconducting properties, 1T’ monoclinic (b) which exhibits metallic properties [1]. Third polymorph was reported to exist at low temperatures and it has orthorhombic Td structure. Thus this material has high potential to be implemented in various electronic devices including phase-change memory and logic.
α and b phases are stable at room temperature. Transition between them occurs at about 900°C and depends on the cooling rate. Matter of reversibility of phase transition is under debate [2, 3, for example].
In current research structure and defects of the MoTe2 were studied in Transmission Electron Microscope as a function of thermal cycling and growth parameters. Structural relationships between the α and b phases will be discussed.
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