Fixing Flaws in WSe2: A New Way to Boost Performance

Tiny flaws in a material that mess up how well it works. This is a big deal in the world of 2D materials, like WSe2. These flaws, called chalcogenide vacancies, can really mess with how long charge carriers last and how well devices work. Scientists have been trying to fix these flaws. They've tried different methods like sticking thiol groups onto the vacancies, adding oxygen, or using special molecules that stick to the surface. These methods can help, but they're not always the best solution.Now, let's talk about a new study. Researchers used some fancy math and computer simulations to figure out how to make these flawed materials work better. They found that adding C20 molecules or oxygen can make a big difference. These additions can stop electrons and holes from recombining too quickly, which is a good thing. This means the charge carriers last longer, even longer than in perfect WSe2. But why does this happen? It's all about how energy gaps change, how electrons and holes interact, and how quickly things decohere. These factors can either help or hinder the process, depending on how the defects are fixed. The big takeaway? Fixing these flaws in WSe2 and other similar materials can give us better control over how long charge carriers last. This is a big step forward in making 2D materials even better for future tech.