Introduction of Ag ions into 2H-MoTe2 via 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 the symmetry‑lowered (HP‑distorted) domains that can be indexed by a triclinic phase. Owing to the HPDC method, Ag ions were homogeneously distributed through 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.