MoS2 Phase Transition via CO Annealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting MoS2 from a 2H crystal structure to a 1T crystal structure are inefficient, unstable, and not suitable for mass production, often requiring long processing times and resulting in impurities that hinder physical properties and catalytic performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reaction of MoS2 with CO gas, either alone or in combination with CO2, to induce phase transition from the 2H to the 1T crystal structure, which can be applied to various forms of MoS2, including bulk, powder, film, wire, and fiber, and MoS2-carbon composites, using annealing at temperatures between 700°C to 1000°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (doping, intercalation, plasma) are used to induce 1T phase, then 1T phase can be formed, but impurities are inevitably included which deteriorate physical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase stabilityVSAvoidimpurities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by introducing CO gas atmosphere during annealing, which enables phase transition without introducing impurities. The CO gas creates a reducing environment that facilitates the 2H to 1T phase transition while maintaining material purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses CO gas atmosphere as a controlled environment for annealing MoS2. This inert-like atmosphere enables the phase transition process without introducing unwanted impurities, unlike doping or plasma methods that inevitably contaminate the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If conventional methods are used to convert to 1T phase, then phase transition can be achieved, but processing time exceeds 48 hours which is not suitable for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase transition completenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes annealing parameters (temperature, CO gas flow rate, atmosphere composition) to achieve complete phase transition within a short time frame. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process completes in hours rather than days, enabling mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuous annealing in CO atmosphere without interruption or intermediate steps. This continuous process maintains the phase transition reaction throughout, achieving complete conversion efficiently without the need for multiple cycles or prolonged waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If 1T phase is induced by conventional methods, then catalytic activity can be improved, but the 1T phase easily returns to 2H phase due to low stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidphase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses CO atmosphere annealing to achieve a more stable 1T phase configuration. The controlled chemical environment during annealing creates a thermodynamically favorable condition for the 1T phase, reducing its tendency to revert to 2H phase compared to other induction methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If additional processes are performed to remove impurities after 1T phase conversion, then physical properties can be improved, but production time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpurity removalVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of impurity formation into a benefit by using CO atmosphere annealing that prevents impurity formation in the first place. The CO environment facilitates phase transition while simultaneously preventing contamination, eliminating the need for separate purification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The annealing process in CO atmosphere is self-purifying, automatically preventing impurity formation during the phase transition. The process inherently produces clean 1T phase material without requiring additional external purification operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for quick and uniform conversion to the 1T crystal structure, enhancing thermodynamic stability and catalytic activity, particularly for hydrogen generation, while minimizing impurities and production time, making it suitable for mass production.

Implementation Method 1

performing phase transition from a 2H crystal structure of MoS2 to the 1T crystal structure by reacting MoS2 having the 2H crystal structure with CO gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the performing of phase transition may include annealing the MoS2 having the 2H crystal structure in an atmosphere including CO gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnealing: Annealing

Data Source

PatentUS11525189B2Method of manufacturing MoS<sub>2 </sub>having 1T crystal structure
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • US11525189B2 patent drawing
  • US11525189B2 patent drawing
  • US11525189B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method of manufacturing MoS2 having a 1T crystal structure. The method includes performing phase transition from a 2H crystal structure of MoS2 to the 1T crystal structure by reacting MoS2 having the 2H crystal structure with CO gas. The phase transition includes annealing the MoS2 having the 2H crystal structure in an atmosphere including CO gas.