Isolation of a Single Tellurium Atomic Chain
Abstract
We propose to explore one-dimensional (1D) van der Waals nanomaterial - tellurium (Te) - and to isolate and realize a single atomic chain of Te. Although thousands of publications in van der Waals 2D materials including graphene, MoS2 and phosphorene in the past decade, we are not aware of any single experimental work on 1D van der Waals nano-materials such as Te or selenium (Se) in the recent wave of 2D research. Using liquid solution synthesis, we are able to form a 2D form of tellurium which we call it tellurene. Tellurene, which, unlike graphene, can have an inherent and direct bandgap (0.35-2.0 eV layer dependent) and, unlike MoS2 or other transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with strong d-orbital coupling, can have carrier mobility on the order of 104 cm2/Vs, unlike phosphorene, is very stable in ambient. We are uniquely qualified to explore the isolation of a single Te atomic chain structure as the limit of all nano-materials because we are the first in the world to successfully synthesize tellurene using liquid solution method and demonstrate promising transistor performance. We are not aware of any other experimental research in tellurium, tellurene and 1D van der Waals materials in general. To explore the isolation of a single Te atomic chain, we will have collaborative and interdisciplinary approach: 1) Liquid solution based synthesis of ultrathin ÒnanowireÓ type of Te and eventually to realize a single Te atomic chain or sub-nm Te nanowire, 2) Exploration of laser thinning or laser exfoliation of Te nanowires or nanosheets to realize a single Te atomic chain or sub-nm Te nanowire, 3) Use of chemical etching, interaction, ultrasound, shock-wave to realize a single Te atomic chain or sub-nm Te nanowire.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710573
Entities
People
- Peide Ye
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Virginia