Self-formed asymmetric Schottky contacts between graphene and WSiGeN4

Abstract

In this paper, the electronic properties and transport characteristics of WSiGeN₄/graphene heterostructures were explored by combining the quantum transport method with first-principle calculations. The band structures indicate that the heterostructures can form either p-type or n-type Schottky contacts, depending on the stacking mode. Due to the self-formed asymmetric Schottky contacts, we design an asymmetric van der Waals (vdW) metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure, which exhibits a pronounced asymmetric current–voltage (I–V) curve. The corresponding physical mechanisms are attributed to carrier transport mechanisms, which are primarily governed by thermionic excitation at positive bias voltages and tunneling effects at negative bias voltages. Our study offers a viable strategy for integrating asymmetric Schottky barriers into MSM configurations, laying the groundwork for a wider range of applications in a range of Janus two-dimensional semiconductors.