One-step synthesis of Zn-doped MoS2 nanosheets with tunable doping concentration using dopants-loaded seeding promoters for visible-light flexible photodetectors

Abstract We demonstrated a methodology for one-step synthesis of Zn-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using Zn(II)-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin (Zn(II)THPP) as a dopants-loaded seeding promoter for photodetectors. The concentration of Zn dopants for the formation of Zn-doped MoS2 nanosheets was preciously regulated solely through altering diethylzinc exposure time using a hybrid deposition system combining thermal evaporation and subsequent vapor phase metalation. Comprehensive spectroscopic evaluations for monitoring the doping concentration of Zn atoms into MoS2 nanosheets and exploring the doping effect of Zn atoms on MoS2 nanosheets were implemented using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We validated the capability of Zn-doped MoS2 nanosheets with customizable doping concentration for nanophotonic devices. Consequently, the substantial enhancement in the photoresponsivitiy extracted from Zn-doped MoS2-based photodetectors with Zn area density of 0.98 μg/cm2, compared with that of pristine MoS2-based photodetectors.