Microstructural constructing 2D tin allotropes on Al(111): from quasi-periodic lattice to square-like lattice
Publication Name
Microstructures
Abstract
The lattice arrangement and degree of buckling have been playing vital roles in the structure stability, bonding configuration, and electronic band structures of two-dimensional (2D) single-layer materials. Here, we fabricate two tin allotropes beyond honeycomb stanene by epitaxial growth method on Al(111). Sn-I phase with quasi-periodic lattice and Sn-II phase with square-like lattice have been identified by scanning tunneling microscopy. Combined with scanning tunneling spectroscopy, it is revealed that Sn-II phase with four-coordinate tin atoms exhibits enhanced decoupling effects due to their saturated bonds. In this study, the discovery of new lattice arrangements with well-defined atomic structures beyond honeycomb lattice provides an appealing approach to searching 2D elemental single layers and novel physical properties.
Open Access Status
This publication may be available as open access
Volume
3
Issue
3
Article Number
2023017
Funding Number
LP180100722
Funding Sponsor
Australian Research Council