“Egyptian” and “Mayan” Molybdenum Disulfide Pyramids

Abstract

The pyramid geometry is among the most fundamental architectural forms found in human culture. Culturally, “Egyptian” pyramids feature sharply pointed geometries, whereas “Mayan” pyramids exhibit truncated and stepped-terrace profiles. Here we demonstrate chemical vapor deposition of multilayer two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) can selectively yield both distinct architectural classes. By tuning local supersaturation via specific substrate configurations, we modulate the growth of 3R-stacked MoS2, triggering a thermodynamic stability inversion between S- and Mo-terminated zigzag edges, driving the morphological transition between Egyptian and Mayan pyramids. Compared to conventional Egyptian structures, the novel Mayan pyramids contain a central screw-dislocation defect and unique triple-alternating ridges and valleys, facilitating photoluminescence quenching symmetrically, reducing the local work function, and enhancing surface friction near the central screw dislocation. These findings demonstrate how growth kinetics and morphology dictate the optoelectronic and nanotribological properties of 2D vdW architectures, promising for future device and lubrication regulations.