Realization of fractional-layer transition metal dichalcogenides
Layered van der Waals transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), generally composed of three atomic X-M-X planes in each layer (M = transition metal, X = chalcogen), provide versatile platforms for exploring diverse quantum phenomena. In each MX<sub>2</sub> layer, the M-X bonds are predominantly covalent in nature and, as a result, the cleavage of TMDC crystals normally occurs between the layers. Here we report the controllable realization of fractional-layer WTe<sub>2</sub> via an in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tip manipulation technique. By applying STM tip pulses, hundreds of the topmost Te atoms are removed to form a nanoscale monolayer Te pit in the 1 T'-WTe<sub>2</sub>, thus realizing a 2/3-layer WTe<sub>2</sub> film. Such a configuration undergoes a spontaneous atomic reconstruction, yielding a unidirectional charge density redistribution with the wavevector and geometry quite distinct from that of pristine 1 T'-WTe<sub>2</sub>. Our results expand the conventional understanding of the TMDCs and are expected to stimulate further research on the structure and properties of fractional-layer TMDCs.
Authors
- Xinlei Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0324-2956)
- Wenhui Duan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9685-2547)
- Bing Qiang Huang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6735-4637)
- Lin He (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5251-1687)
- Yu Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1290-7980)
- Ya-Ning Ren (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3306-4478)
- Heng Jin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0536-9205)
- Ruohan Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6681-3360)
- Yaxin Zhao
- Xiaofeng Zhou
- Zi-Yi Han
Institutions
- Beijing Institute of Technology (CN)
- Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (CN)
- Beijing Normal University (CN)
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center (CN)
- Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (CN)
- Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (MY)
- Tsinghua University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2025-04-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59007-7
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- 2D Materials and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.11
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
- Beijing Innovation Center for Future Chip
- National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents
- National Key Research and Development Program of China
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
- National Safety Academic Fund