Using mechanical exfoliation combined with a controlled double step transfer
procedure we demonstrate that single layers of antimony can be readily
produced. These flakes are not significantly contaminated upon exposure to
ambient conditions and they do not react with water. DFT calculations confirm
our experimental observations and predict a band gap of 1.2-1.3 eV (ambient
conditions) for single layer antimonene, which is smaller than that calculated
under vacuum conditions at 0 K. Our work confirms antimonene as a highly stable
2D material with promising relevant applications in optoelectronics.Comment: main paper: 5 pages, 4 figures supporting: 9 pages, 7 figures,
Advanced Materials, 201