Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Epitaxial Nanostructured α-Quartz Films on Silicon: From the Material to New Devices
Published on: October 6, 2020
Epitaxial multilayers of alkanes on two-dimensional black phosphorus as passivating and electrically insulating
Margherita Bolognesi1, Marco Brucale1, Andrea Lorenzoni1
1Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN) - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy. m.brucale@bo.ismn.cnr.it s.toffanin@bo.ismn.cnr.it.
Abstract:
Mechanically exfoliated two-dimensional (2D) black phosphorus (bP) is epitaxially terminated by monolayers and multilayers of tetracosane, a linear alkane, to form a weakly interacting van der Waals heterostructure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and computational modelling show that epitaxial domains of alkane chains are ordered in parallel lamellae along the principal crystalline axis of bP, and this order is extended over a few layers above the interface. Epitaxial alkane multilayers delay the oxidation of 2D bP in air by 18 hours, in comparison to 1 hour for bare 2D bP, and act as an electrical insulator, as demonstrated using electrostatic force microscopy. The presented heterostructure is a technologically relevant insulator-semiconductor model system that can open the way to the use of 2D bP in micro- and nanoelectronic, optoelectronic and photonic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Insulation Coordination
Conductors and Insulators
Most metals are conductors. Their atomic configuration is such that one or more electron(s) are loosely bound to the nucleus in each atom. Thus, a sea of mobile electrons are available in them, known as free electrons. Their easy...
Structure of Alkanes
Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds composed of carbons and hydrogens. Based on the bond order between carbons, the hydrocarbons are further classified into alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
Alkanes are the simplest hydrocarbons with sp3 hybrid carbon atoms....
Nomenclature of Alkanes
The alkane nomenclature considers the length of the carbon chain, the number, and the location of the substituent to arrive at its systematic name. The IUPAC...
The Phosphorus Cycle
Thermal Insulation in Masonry Walls
External insulation can be applied using an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which involves affixing panels of plastic foam to the wall and covering them with a polymeric stucco reinforced with glass fiber mesh....

