Interlayer exciton emission in a MoS2/VOPc inorganic/organic van der Waals heterostructure

Modulation of Electrostatic Potential in 2D Crystal Engineered by an Array of Alternating Polar Molecules

The moiré potential in rotationally misfit two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures has been used to build artificial exciton and electron lattices, which have become platforms for realizing exotic electronic phases. Here, we demonstrate a different approach to create a superlattice potential in 2D crystals by using the near field of an array of polar molecules. A bilayer of titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc), consisting of alternating out-of-plane dipoles, is deposited on monolayer MoS2. Time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy reveals a pair of interlayer exciton states with an energy difference of ∼0.1 eV, which is consistent with the electrostatic potential modulation induced by the TiOPc bilayer as determined by density functional theory calculations. Because the symmetry and the period of this potential superlattice can be changed readily by using molecules of different shapes and sizes, molecule/2D heterostructures can be promising platforms for designing artificial exciton and electron lattices.

Ab Initio Modeling of Mixed-Dimensional Heterostructures: A Path Forward

Understanding the electronic structure of mixed-dimensional heterostructures is essential for maximizing their application potential. However, accurately modeling such interfaces is challenging due to the complex interplay between the subsystems. We employ a computational framework integrating first-principles methods, including GW, density functional theory (DFT), and the polarizable continuum model, to elucidate the electronic structure of mixed-dimensional heterojunctions formed by free-base phthalocyanines and monolayer molybdenum disulfide. We assess the impact of dielectric screening across various scenarios, from isolated molecules to organic films on a substrate-supported monolayer. Our findings show that while polarization effects cause significant renormalization of molecular energy levels, band energies and alignments in the most relevant setup can be accurately predicted through DFT simulations of the individual subsystems. Additionally, we analyze orbital hybridization, revealing potential pathways for interfacial charge transfer. This study offers new insights into hybrid inorganic/organic interfaces and provides a practical computational protocol suitable for scaled-up studies.

Exciton Dynamics of TiOPc/WSe2 Heterostructure

The van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures composed of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and organic semiconductors demonstrate numerous compelling optoelectronic properties. However, the influence of the vdW epitaxial effect and temperature on the optoelectronic properties and interface exciton dynamics of heterostructures remains unclear. This study systematically investigates the fluorescence properties of TiOPc/WSe2 heterostructure. Comprehensive spectral characterization elucidates that the emission behavior of the TiOPc/WSe2 heterostructure arises from charge/energy transfer at the heterostructure interfaces and the structural ordering of the organic layer on the 2D monolayer WSe2 induced by vdW epitaxy. The interface exciton dynamic features probed by ultrafast transient spectroscopy reveal that the face-to-face molecular stacking configuration of TiOPc exhibits ultrafast exciton dynamics. In particular, we observe picosecond-scale absorption of organic molecular dimer cations, providing direct evidence of interface charge transfer at room temperature. Moreover, energy transfer from the TiOPc to WSe2 may exist based on the tunability in the fluorescence emission of the TiOPc/WSe2 heterostructure as the temperature changes. This study unveils the critical role of vdW epitaxy and temperature in the exciton dynamics of organic/2D TMDs hybrid systems and provides guidance for studying interlayer charge and energy transfer in organic/inorganic heterostructures.

van der Waals 2D transition metal dichalcogenide/organic hybridized heterostructures: recent breakthroughs and emerging prospects of the device

The near-atomic thickness and organic molecular systems, including organic semiconductors and polymer-enabled hybrid heterostructures, of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) can modulate their optoelectronic and transport properties outstandingly. In this review, the current understanding and mechanism of the most recent and significant breakthrough of novel interlayer exciton emission and its modulation by harnessing the band energy alignment between TMDs and organic semiconductors in a TMD/organic (TMDO) hybrid heterostructure are demonstrated. The review encompasses up-to-date device demonstrations, including field-effect transistors, detectors, phototransistors, and photo-switchable superlattices. An exploration of distinct traits in 2D-TMDs and organic semiconductors delves into the applications of TMDO hybrid heterostructures. This review provides insights into the synthesis of 2D-TMDs and organic layers, covering fabrication techniques and challenges. Band bending and charge transfer via band energy alignment are explored from both structural and molecular orbital perspectives. The progress in emission modulation, including charge transfer, energy transfer, doping, defect healing, and phase engineering, is presented. The recent advancements in 2D-TMDO-based optoelectronic synaptic devices, including various 2D-TMDs and organic materials for neuromorphic applications are discussed. The section assesses their compatibility for synaptic devices, revisits the operating principles, and highlights the recent device demonstrations. Existing challenges and potential solutions are discussed. Finally, the review concludes by outlining the current challenges that span from synthesis intricacies to device applications, and by offering an outlook on the evolving field of emerging TMDO heterostructures.

Strong quenching of dye fluorescence in monomeric perylene orange/TMDC hybrid structures

Hybrid structures with an interface between two different materials with properly aligned energy levels facilitate photo-induced charge separation to be exploited in optoelectronic applications. Particularly, the combination of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and dye molecules offers strong light-matter interaction, tailorable band level alignments, and high fluorescence quantum yields. In this work, we aim at the charge or energy transfer-related quenching of the fluorescence of the dye perylene orange (PO) when isolated molecules are brought onto monolayer TMDCs via thermal vapor deposition. Here, micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed a strong intensity drop of the PO fluorescence. For the TMDC emission, in contrast, we observed a relative growth of the trion versus exciton contribution. In addition, fluorescence imaging lifetime microscopy quantified the intensity quenching to a factor of about 103 and demonstrated a drastic lifetime reduction from 3 ns to values much shorter than the 100 ps width of the instrument response function. From the ratio of the intensity quenching that is attributed to hole or energy transfer from dye to semiconductor, we deduce a time constant of several picoseconds at most, pointing to an efficient charge separation suitable for optoelectronic devices.

Fast-Response Micro-Phototransistor Based on MoS2/Organic Molecule Heterojunction

Over the past years, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has been the most extensively studied two-dimensional (2D) semiconductormaterial. With unique electrical and optical properties, 2DMoS₂ is considered to be a promising candidate for future nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, charge trapping leads to a persistent photoconductance (PPC), hindering its use for optoelectronic applications. To overcome these drawbacks and improve the optoelectronic performance, organic semiconductors (OSCs) are selected to passivate surface defects, tune the optical characteristics, and modify the doping polarity of 2D MoS₂. Here, we demonstrate a fast photoresponse in multilayer (ML) MoS₂ by addressing a heterojunction interface with vanadylphthalocyanine (VOPc) molecules. The MoS₂/VOPc van der Waals interaction that has been established encourages the PPC effect in MoS₂ by rapidly segregating photo-generated holes, which move away from the traps of MoS₂ toward the VOPc molecules. The MoS₂/VOPc phototransistor exhibits a fast photo response of less than 15 ms for decay and rise, which is enhanced by 3ordersof magnitude in comparison to that of a pristine MoS₂-based phototransistor (seconds to tens of seconds). This work offers a means to realize high-performance transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based photodetection with a fast response speed.