Hexagonal Hybrid Bismuthene by Molecular Interface Engineering

[EN] High-quality devices based on layered heterostructuresare typicallybuilt from materials obtained by complex solid-state physical approachesor laborious mechanical exfoliation and transfer. Meanwhile, wet-chemicallysynthesized materials commonly suffer from surface residuals and intrinsicdefects. Here, we synthesize using an unprecedented colloidal photocatalyzed,one-pot redox reaction a few-layers bismuth hybrid of "electronicgrade" structural quality. Intriguingly, the material presentsa sulfur-alkyl-functionalized reconstructed surface that preventsit from oxidation and leads to a tuned electronic structure that resultsfrom the altered arrangement of the surface. The metallic behaviorof the hybrid is supported by ab initio predictionsand room temperature transport measurements of individual nanoflakes.Our findings indicate how surface reconstructions in two-dimensional(2D) systems can promote unexpected properties that can pave the wayto new functionalities and devices. Moreover, this scalable syntheticprocess opens new avenues for applications in plasmonics or electronic(and spintronic) device fabrication. Beyond electronics, this 2D hybridmaterial may be of interest in organic catalysis, biomedicine, orenergy storage and conversion.