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Two-Dimensional and Subnanometer-Thin Quasi-Copper-Sulfide Semiconductor Formed upon Copper-Copper Bonding
Haoran Ning1,2, Yan Zeng2,3, Shouwei Zuo2,4
1Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bei Yi Jie 2, Zhong Guan Cun, Beijing 100190, China.
ACS Nano
|January 6, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed subnanometer-thin quasi-copper-sulfide (q-CS) semiconductors from self-assembled complexes. This breakthrough enables ultrathin 2D semiconductor materials from nonlayered crystals, expanding semiconductor applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors offer unique properties but are difficult to synthesize from nonlayered crystals.
- Copper sulfides are nonlayered metal chalcogenides with potential for advanced applications, yet monolayer synthesis remains a challenge.
- Investigating 2D copper sulfides in the quantum limit is hindered by difficulties in preparing monolayer structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel method for creating subnanometer-thin quasi-copper-sulfide (q-CS) semiconductors.
- To investigate the semiconductor properties and electronic structure of these ultrathin materials.
- To explore the potential of metal-metal bonding in creating new classes of 2D semiconductors.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of copper(I)-dodecanethiol complexes to form quasi-copper-sulfide (q-CS) layers.
- Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis to probe bonding and structure.
- Theoretical studies of band structure and optical properties.
- Photoluminescence spectroscopy at variable temperatures.
Main Results:
- A subnanometer-thin quasi-copper-sulfide (q-CS) semiconductor was successfully synthesized.
- Cu-Cu bonding was identified as crucial for the semiconductor properties and interband photoluminescence of q-CS.
- Theoretical and experimental studies confirmed photoluminescence originates from exciton recombination across an indirect band gap, with a direct emission at cryogenic temperatures.
- Metal-metal bonding was observed in related silver and cadmium alkanethiolate assemblies.
Conclusions:
- The self-assembly of metal-alkanethiolate complexes provides a route to ultrathin, nonlayered 2D semiconductors.
- Quasi-copper-sulfide (q-CS) represents a new class of 2D semiconductor materials with potential for diverse applications.
- This work bridges the gap between inorganic and organic semiconductors, opening avenues for novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Keywords:
metal−alkanethiolatemetal−metal bondingorganic−inorganic hybrid structuretwo-dimensionalultrathin semiconductorMore Related Videos
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