Trap-free exciton dynamics in monolayer WS ₂ via oleic acid passivation

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted a great deal of attention in the past few decades owing to their attractive optoelectronic properties. However, their widespread utility in photonic devices and components is still limited owing to their weak photoluminescence. While various treating methods are in place to improve the photoluminescence yield, the impact of these treatments on the excited state (especially exciton) dynamics in these two-dimensional materials remains ill defined. In this work, exciton dynamics in pristine and oleic acid-treated monolayer WS₂ were comprehensively studied through various ultrafast experimental techniques. We demonstrate that oleic acid effectively passivates the defect states in as-fabricated WS₂, resulting in trap-free exciton dynamics and exciton annihilation rate reduction, which leads to stronger steady-state photoluminescence and longer photoluminescence lifetime. These results provide valuable information on the intrinsic exciton dynamics in monolayer WS₂, which could also be applicable in other two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and help improve optoelectronic device performance.