Hexagonal Hybrid Bismuthene by Molecular Interface Engineering

High-quality devices based on layered heterostructuresare typicallybuilt from materials obtained by complex solid-state physical approachesor laborious mechanical exfoliation and transfer. Meanwhile, wet-chemicallysynthesized materials commonly suffer from surface residuals and intrinsicdefects. Here, we synthesize using an unprecedented colloidal photocatalyzed,one-pot redox reaction a few-layers bismuth hybrid of electronicgrade structural quality. Intriguingly, the material presentsa sulfur-alkyl-functionalized reconstructed surface that preventsit from oxidation and leads to a tuned electronic structure that resultsfrom the altered arrangement of the surface. The metallic behaviorof the hybrid is supported by ab initio predictionsand room temperature transport measurements of individual nanoflakes.Our findings indicate how surface reconstructions in two-dimensional(2D) systems can promote unexpected properties that can pave the wayto new functionalities and devices. Moreover, this scalable syntheticprocess opens new avenues for applications in plasmonics or electronic(and spintronic) device fabrication. Beyond electronics, this 2D hybridmaterial may be of interest in organic catalysis, biomedicine, orenergy storage and conversion.

Automated summary

In this study, a few-layers bismuth hybrid material of electronic grade structural quality was synthesized using an unprecedented colloidal photocatalyzed, one-pot redox reaction. The material exhibited a sulfur-alkyl-functionalized reconstructed surface that prevented oxidation and resulted in a tuned electronic structure. The metallic behavior of the hybrid material was supported by ab initio predictions and room temperature transport measurements.