Synthesis and optical properties of monolayer organosilicon nanosheets

The synthesis of silicon nanosheets for fabricating electronic devices, without using conventional vacuum processes and vapor deposition, is challenging and is anticipated to receive significant attention for a wide range of applications. Here, we report the synthesis of oxygen-free, phenyl-modified organosilicon nanosheets with atomic thickness. In organic solvents, a consequence of this new silicon structure is its uniform dispersion and the possibility of exfoliation into unilamellar nanosheets. Light-induced photocurrent in [Si(6)H(4)Ph(2)] was observed, leading to the possibility of various organosilicon nonamaterials with useful properties.