Quasi-Two-Dimensional SiC and SiC<sub>2</sub>: Interaction
of Silicon and Carbon at Atomic Thin Lattice Plane
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Abstract
The
band gap of graphene is nearly zero, and thus novel two-dimensional
(2D) semiconductor and band gap engineering of graphene is highly
desired for advanced optoelectronic applications. Herein, we have
experimentally produced quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) SiC by reaction
between graphene and a silicon source, which was designed and supported
by Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations. The lateral
length of the as-synthesized quasi-2D SiC is mainly in the range of
0.3–5 μm while the thickness is commonly below 10 nm.
Quasi-2D SiC<sub>2</sub> is also found as a byproduct, which is stable
over 3 months in air atmosphere. The exciton binding energy of quasi-2D
multilayers SiC can reach 0.23 eV while the band gap is around 3.72
eV. Additionally, in situ transmission electron microscopy has firmly
proven that quasi-2D SiC can be synthesized through the reaction between
graphene and silicon quantum dots. The first production of quasi-2D
SiC and SiC<sub>2</sub> makes the band gap engineering in the graphene
lattice plane possible