One-step synthesis of self-assembled directed single-atom-thick gold film on semiconductor

Abstract

Two-dimensional metal thin films have received extensive research attention owing to their distinctive physical and chemical properties. The direct synthesis of highly anisotropic monatomic metal layers is challenging owing to the symmetric non-oriented bonds of metals. In this study, we present a one-step synthesis method for preparing single-atom-thick gold films via high-temperature heating. During substrate synthesis, the surface-hanging bonds anchor the gold atoms individually, resulting in self-assembled loaded monolayer gold films. Density function theory calculations show that gold atoms prefer to anchor along the chain direction, resulting in monolayer films with good homogeneity and stability. The electronic structure of these films is completely different from that of bulk gold. This property may endow the films with potential for applications in magnetism, optics, and catalysis.