Thermal Conductivity Modulation in Layered van der Waals Niobium Disulfide Nanomaterial

Abstract

This work investigates the modulation of thermal conductivity in layered van der Waals niobium disulfide (NbS₂) nanomaterials through dimensional, mechanical, and defect-engineering strategies. High-quality NbS₂ flakes were synthesized via chemical vapor transport and integrated into suspended micro-bridge devices for accurate in-plane thermal measurements using Raman thermometry. The conductivity exhibited strong layer dependence, increasing from ultrathin to bulk-like thicknesses. Applied uniaxial tensile strain and controlled ion-induced defect formation significantly suppressed thermal transport by enhancing phonon scattering and lattice anharmonicity. These results demonstrate the tunability of heat conduction in NbS₂, highlighting its potential for adaptive thermal management in nanoscale electronic devices.