One-Dimensional van der Waals Heterojunction Diode

The synthesis of one-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures was realized recently, which offers alternative possibilities for prospective applications in electronics and optoelectronics. The even reduced dimension will enable different properties and further miniaturization beyond the capabilities of their two-dimensional counterparts. The natural doping results in p-type electrical characteristics for semi-conducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and n-type for molybdenum disulfide with conventional noble metal contacts. Therefore, we demonstrate here a one-dimensional heterostructure nanotube, 11 nm wide, with the coaxial assembly of a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube, insulating boron nitride nanotube, and semiconducting molybdenum disulfide nanotube, which induces a radial semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor heterojunction. When opposite potential polarity was applied on a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube and molybdenum disulfide nanotube, respectively, the rectifying effect was materialized.

Automated summary

The synthesis of one-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures enables new possibilities in electronics and optoelectronics, with different electrical characteristics induced by natural doping in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide. Assembling semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes, insulating boron nitride nanotubes, and semiconducting molybdenum disulfide nanotubes creates a radial semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor heterojunction. Application of opposite potential polarity on these nanotubes leads to a rectifying effect.