Phase transitions between polytypes and intralayer superstructures in transition metal dichalcogenides

Abstract

The different polytypic structures observed in transition metal dichalcogenides are described as the result of ordering processes from a common parent disordered polytype structure. Interpolytypic transitions are suggested to be favored by the intrinsic stacking faults induced in the ordering mechanisms. The influence of these mechanisms on the intralayer superstructures is discussed.