Preparation of 2D antimonene nanosheets via topochemical reduction conversion

Abstract

Mono-element 2D materials from group V_A have attracted extensive attention due to their outstanding electronic properties. As a pioneering material in this category, black phosphorene possesses remarkable carrier mobility and a tunable bandgap, showing great promise for high-performance field-effect transistors (FETs). However, its rapid degradation in the ambient atmosphere leads to significant performance deterioration, severely limiting its practical use. In contrast, antimonene, another group V_A member, exhibits exceptional environmental stability, thereby distinguishing itself as a robust alternative for various applications. Nevertheless, the practical deployment of antimonene is hindered by existing synthesis methods, which often require high reaction temperatures, stringent inert atmospheres, and involve toxic thiol-based reagents. To address these challenges, we present an eco-friendly and energy-efficient topochemical reduction conversion route. This approach involves the fabrication of well-defined SbI₃ nanosheet precursors and their subsequent conversion into high-quality antimonene nanosheets via a NaBH₄ reduction process at room temperature. This approach effectively completely eliminates the need for high-energy conditions and toxic reagents, offering a straightforward and reliable strategy for the production of antimonene nanosheets.