Journal article
Strain-Modulated Conductivity and Work Function on Thin Crystals of Mo 2 C
ACS applied nano materials, v 8(41), pp 19810-19817
06 Oct 2025
Abstract
Thin transition metal carbides (TMCs) exhibit a favorable combination of electronic and mechanical properties that makes them attractive for applications ranging from flexible energy storage to electromagnetic shielding. However, the influence of strain on key electronic characteristics such as conductivity and work function has not yet been elucidated. Here, we present a combined experimental and computational study of surface electronics on thin crystals of molybdenum carbide (Mo2C). Conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) performed on rippled regions of crystal surfaces reveal a significant increase in electrical conductivity and a notable reduction in work function under tensile strains of 1% and below. Ab initio calculations confirm the trends observed in the experiments, pointing toward increased density of states (DOS), enhanced mobility, and reduced work function under tensile strain. Our work highlights the potential of strain engineering for tuning the electronic characteristics of thin TMCs.
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Details
- Title
- Strain-Modulated Conductivity and Work Function on Thin Crystals of Mo 2 C
- Creators
- Gokay Adabasi - University of California, MercedSourabh Kumar - University of California, MercedElif Okay - TOBB University of Economics and TechnologyJoshua R. Evans - University of California, MercedEren Atli - TOBB University of Economics and TechnologyJoshua Ancheta - University of California, MercedGoknur Cambaz Buke - Drexel UniversityAshlie Martini - University of California, MercedMehmet Z. Baykara - University of California, Merced
- Publication Details
- ACS applied nano materials, v 8(41), pp 19810-19817
- Publisher
- ACS Publications
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- U.S. Department of Defense: FA9550-22-1-0358, FA9550-18-1-7048, FA9550-22-1-0418 Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
This work was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Award No. FA9550-22-1-0358, FA9550-18-1-7048, and FA9550-22-1-0418.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001587944000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105018919412
- Other Identifier
- 991022123332504721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
- Nanoscience & Nanotechnology