Structural and electrical characterization of self-assembled Sb4 molecules on metal surfaces

Antimonene is a promising two-dimensional material that is calculated to have a significant fundamental bandgap usable for advanced applications such as field-effect transistors, photoelectric devices, and the quantum-spin Hall state. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of self-assembled Sb4 islands on Au and Ag surfaces by scanning tunneling microscopy. The Sb4 molecules form α-phase and β-phase structures on Au and Ag surfaces, respectively, each exhibiting distinct island patterns. We simulated these structures using density functional theory calculations. Finally, we demonstrated the metallic band structure of Sb4 islands and observed the spatial and energy-dependent contributions of Sb4 molecules to the electronic states. This research enhances the understanding of the synthesis process of antimonene on metal surfaces and provides valuable insights for the industrial production of antimonene.