In this work, we have systematically studied structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of atomic-scale defects in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides $M{X}_2$ ($M\hspace{0.17em}=\hspace{0.17em}\mathrm{Mo}$ and W; $X\hspace{0.17em}=\hspace{0.17em}\mathrm{S}$, Se, and Te) by density functional theory. Various types of defects, e.g., $X$ vacancy, $X$ interstitial, $M$ vacancy, $M$ interstitial, and $MX$ and $XX$ double vacancies, have been considered. It has been found that the $X$ interstitial has the lowest formation energy ($\sim 1$ eV) for all the systems in the $X$-rich condition, whereas for the $M$-rich condition, $X$ vacancy has the lowest formation energy except for $M{\text{Te}}_2$ systems. Both these defects have very high equilibrium defect concentrations at growth temperatures (1000–1200 K) reported in literature. A pair of defects, e.g., two $X$ vacancies or one $M$ and one $X$ vacancies, tend to occupy the nearest possible distance. No trace of magnetism has been found for any one of the defects considered. Apart from $X$ interstitial, all other defects have defect states appearing in the band gap, which can greatly affect the electronic and optical properties of the pristine systems. Our calculated optical properties show that the defect states cause optical transitions at $\sim 1.0$ eV, which can be beneficial for light emitting devices. The results of our systematic study are expected to guide the experimental nanoengineering of defects to achieve suitable properties related to band gap modifications and characterization of defect fingerprints via optical absorption measurements.

• Received 25 July 2015
• Revised 5 November 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.235408