Two-dimensional inorganic molecular crystals

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12569-9
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17T12:05:58Z
• Authors: Wei Han; Pu Huang; Liang Li; Fakun Wang; Peng Luo; Kailang Liu; Xing Zhou; Huiqiao Li; Xiuwen Zhang; Yi Cui; Tianyou Zhai
• Keywords: Science; Q; 01 natural sciences; Article; 0104 chemical sciences

AbstractTwo-dimensional molecular crystals, consisting of zero-dimensional molecules, are very appealing due to their novel physical properties. However, they are mostly limited to organic molecules. The synthesis of inorganic version of two-dimensional molecular crystals is still a challenge due to the difficulties in controlling the crystal phase and growth plane. Here, we design a passivator-assisted vapor deposition method for the growth of two-dimensional Sb2O3 inorganic molecular crystals as thin as monolayer. The passivator can prevent the heterophase nucleation and suppress the growth of low-energy planes, and enable the molecule-by-molecule lateral growth along high-energy planes. Using Raman spectroscopy and in situ transmission electron microscopy, we show that the insulating α-phase of Sb2O3 flakes can be transformed into semiconducting β-phase under heat and electron-beam irradiation. Our findings can be extended to the controlled growth of other two-dimensional inorganic molecular crystals and open up opportunities for potential molecular electronic devices.