Strain enhanced superconductivity of Mo$X_2$ ($X$=S or Se) bilayers with Na intercalation

Abstract

Mo$X_2$ ($X$=S or Se) is a semiconductor family with two-dimensional structure. And a recent calculation predicted the superconductivity in electron doped MoS${}_2$ monolayer. In this work, the electronic structure and lattice dynamics of Mo$X_2$ bilayers with monolayer Na intercalated, have been calculated. According to the electron-phonon interaction, it is predicted that these bilayers can be transformed from indirect-gap semiconductors to a superconductors by Na intercalation. More interestingly, the biaxial tensile strain can significantly enhance the superconducting temperature up to $\sim 10$ K in Na-intercalated MoS${}_2$. In addition, the phonon mean free path at room-temperature is also greatly improved in Na intercalated MoSe${}_2$, which is advantaged for related applications.

6 pages, 5 figures