Thermodynamically Optimized Synthesis of 1T-TaS 2 Nanocrystals by Chemical Vapor Transport

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Two-dimensional (2D) TaS 2 has emerged as a compelling platform for investigating collective electronic phenomena, particularly due to its intricate charge density wave (CDW) phases. To probe nanoscale CDW behavior and superconductivity, the synthesis of high-quality 1T-TaS 2 nanocrystals (NCs) is required. In this work, we report for the first time the optimized synthesis of highly crystalline 1T-TaS 2 NCs via a thermodynamically optimized chemical vapor transport approach. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of key growth parameters, including substrate type (SiO 2 /Si, c -sapphire, and mica), substrate temperature, growth duration, and transport agent concentration on the resulting crystal morphology and lateral dimensions. Various techniques have been employed to characterize the produced NCs including optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our findings highlight the critical role of the substrate in the growth dynamics and provide a versatile platform for controlled synthesis of the 1T-TaS 2 phase, paving the way for its integration into next-generation electronic and quantum technologies.