Introduction of Ag ions into 2H-MoTe2via the high-pressure diffusion control method

Abstract

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a major family of compounds for exploring functional materials through intercalation. In this study, the intercalation of Ag ions into 2H-MoTe₂ using the high-pressure diffusion control (HPDC) method was performed. Due to the application of high pressure (HP), 2H-MoTe₂ with a hexagonal lattice exhibited symmetry-lowered (HP-distorted) domains that can be indexed to a triclinic phase. Owing to the HPDC method, Ag ions were homogeneously distributed throughout the sample. This study opened a pathway for promoting ion introduction and achieving functional modulation in systems where intercalation was previously considered difficult, through a mechanism that is distinct from simple structural changes that merely elongate the interlayer space.