Tunable in-plane conductance anisotropy in 2D semiconductive AgCrP2S6 by ion-electron co-modulations | Science Advances

In-plane anisotropic two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have gained much interest due to their anisotropic properties, which opens avenues in designing functional electronics. Currently reported in-plane anisotropic semiconductors mainly rely on crystal lattice anisotropy. Herein, AgCrP ₂ S ₆ (ACPS) is introduced as a promising member to the anisotropic 2D semiconductors, in which, both crystal structure and ion-electron co-modulations are used to achieve tunable in-plane conductance anisotropy. Scanning tunneling electron microscopy and polarized Raman spectroscopy show the structural anisotropy of ACPS. Electrical transport measurements show that its tunable in-plane conductance anisotropy is related to the ion-electron co-modulations, where Ag ion migration is anisotropic along a axis and b axis. Electrical transport measurements show the semiconducting properties of ACPS, as also supported by photoluminescence results. Moreover, the transfer curves of ACPS showcase large V _g -related hysteresis, which is directionally controlled by anisotropic Ag ion migration. This work offers a possibility of using anisotropic charge transport in functional electronics by ion-electron co-modulations.