Chemically synthesized heterostructures of two-dimensional molybdenum/tungsten-based dichalcogenides with vertically aligned layers.

We demonstrate a one-step, facile chemical synthesis of heterostructures based on two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) with vertically aligned 2D layers. Specifically, by using a chemical vapor transport method, we synthesize molybdenum (Mo)/tungsten (W)-based disulfide and diselenide heterostructures, such as MoS2/WS2 and MoSe2/WSe2. Detailed structural characterizations reveal that the 2D layers of two different TMDCs are vertically standing/aligned exposing the edge sites of the layers. The TMDC heterostructure materials exhibit a high uniformity of structural/chemical heterogeneity over a large area (>1 cm(2)) and show anisotropic carrier transport properties. These materials with unique heterostructures have great implications for both technological applications and fundamental sciences.