Abstract
A series of layered Mo1-xErxS2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanosheets was prepared using a 1,2-ethanediolmono(2-methylpropenoate) assisted microwave approach. The influence of the Er-atoms on the structure, morphology, optical, and electrical properties of the MoS2 nanosheets was studied. The Mo1-xErxS2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanosheets were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, Raman, and XPS measurements. The inclusion of the Er in Mo sites results in a decrease in the number of MoS2 layers and the widening of their lateral dimensions. The UV–vis spectrum of the Mo1-xErxS2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) 2D-layered nanostructures showed an increase of the optical bandgap and an enhancement of the direct exciton transitions at the K-points of the Brillouin zone. A heterojunction Mo1-xErxS2/p-Si diode was fabricated for the detection of gases. The developed heterojunction diode exhibited high sensitivity toward NO2 gas, under solar light illumination, with high stability and reproducibility.