Electron Irradiation Effects on Single-Layer MoS2 Obtained by Gold-Assisted Exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation assisted by gold is applied to obtain good quality large lateral size single-layer MoS2. The effects of 2.5 MeV electron irradiation are investigated at room temperature on structural and electronic features by Raman and microluminescence spectroscopy. The exciton recombination emission in the direct bandgap of single-layer MoS2 is affected during irradiation starting from the minimum explored dose of 1 kGy. At higher doses, Raman bands show no relevant modifications whereas the exciton emission is quenched, suggesting that irradiation-induced point defects affect exciton dynamics.