Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions and Broadband Photoresponse in Layered 2D MoO3

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Journal of Engineering has shed new light on the pressure-dependent structural evolution and optoelectronic behavior of MoO3 under high pressure. The research team, led by Lidong Dai from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the field of photodetection systems. By applying high pressure, the researchers were able to induce phase transitions in alpha-MoO3, resulting in a 434-fold increase in photocurrent density and responsivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the pressure-dependent structural evolution and optoelectronic behavior of MoO3 under high pressure up to 37.8GPa, revealing two distinct phase transitions in alpha-MoO3.
  • The high-pressure MoO3-II and MoO3-III phases exhibited photodetection extending into the near-infrared band (980nm), attributed to the formation of oxygen vacancies and the introduction of in-gap states.
  • The research concluded that high-pressure engineering is an effective approach to optimize the optoelectronic performance of MoO3, advancing its potential utility in photodetector systems.
  • The study highlighted notable enhancements in electrical conductivity, bandgap narrowing, and improved light absorption, which contributed to the anomalous phenomena observed.
  • The research team included investigators from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guizhou Minzu University, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Statistics:

  • The photocurrent density increased by 434-fold, from 0.0628 to 29.10mAcm(-2), at 37.8GPa relative to 1.2GPa.
  • The responsivity increased by 46.3 times, from 1.366 to 632.7mAW(-1), under 365nm illumination.
  • The high-pressure MoO3-II and MoO3-III phases exhibited photodetection extending into the near-infrared band (980nm).
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Applied Physics Letters journal.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings on Applied Physics Reported by Investigators at Chinese Academy of Sciences (Pressure-induced Phase Transitions and Broadband Photoresponse In Layered 2d Moo 3 ). Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 951.
  • Applied Physics Letters, 2025;127(2).