Emergent electronic states in (Mo,W)X2 and similar chalcogenides (X=S,Se,Te)

• Grant number: 17/19815-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Marcos de Abreu Avila
• Grantee: Rodrigo Tardini Paulino
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/19924-2 - Study and development of advanced novel materials: electronic, magnetic and nanostructured: an interdisciplinary approach, AP.TEM

Abstract

This project aims to initiate the candidate in literature and relevant experimental techniques to implement the conduction of a new line of research in our research group, involving the study of thermoelectricity and emerging electronic states recently revealed in MoX2, WX2 and similar binary semimetallic chalcogenides (X = S, Se, Te). The main focus of the student will be on the preparation of samples of pure and doped (Mo,W)Te2 in singlecrystalline form by the flux method, and on learning the basic techniques of structural, magnetic and thermoelectric characterization of these samples with the various relevant multiuser equipment at UFABC - X-ray diffraction, resistivity, specific heat, magnetization, and others. The exploratory research will also be expanded to related binary (such as ZrTe5) and ternary (such as Fe3GeTe2) chalcogenides, aiming to prospect new materials that present potential in both thermoelectricity and emergent electronic phenomena of current interest, such as protected topological states and Weyl fermions. Conducting the project will give the candidate a broad and solid initial training in experimental research in the field of condensed matter physics, to be deepened in subsequent specific projects. (AU)