Optimization of 2M-WS₂ Crystal Synthesis and Subsequent Amine Intercalation

Abstract

As traditional semiconductor transistor models approach the physical limit of innovation, the synthesis and characterization of materials useful for quantum computing grow more significant. 2M-WS₂ is a topological superconductor synthesized using a two-step ‘top-down’ procedure similar to many other metallic-phase transition metal dichalcogenides. Because of its lower reagent costs relative to other materials, 2M-WS₂ represents an economically viable template for research into synthesis optimization and organic molecule intercalation. Reagent concentrations and temperature conditions are modified to study their effects on crystal size and phase purity, and halogenated amines are intercalated into the van der Waals gaps of the material to study the intermolecular forces driving intercalation. The results of these condition scans provide a clear direction for future transition metal dichalcogenide research, both for synthesis optimization as well as for studying low-dimensional material structure and properties.