[en] The synthesis of silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) without using conventional vacuum processes and vapor deposition is challenging and is anticipated to receive significant attention for a wide range of applications. Thereby, mass production of silicon nanosheets with low cost can be achieved using top-down approach starting from materials including a 2D sheet structure as a fundamental unit. We have recently, developed a soft synthetic method for the preparation of silicon sheets in gram-scale quantities by redox-assisted chemical exfoliation (RACE) of calcium disilicide (CaSi2). In this review, we will present chemical methods for the synthesis and modification of silicon sheets.

[en] Using scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction measurements, and ab initio calculations based on density functional theory, we present atomic models of the (√(13)×√(13))R13.9° silicene superstructure grown on Ag(1 1 1). The STM images reveal two co-existing atomic arrangements with two different orientations of the silicene sheet relative to the Ag(1 1 1) surface. DFT calculations with and without the inclusion of van der Waals interactions show corrugated Si atomic positions for both orientations implying a significant interaction with Ag(1 1 1) surface. The electronic structure of both silicene and Ag(1 1 1) surface are sufficiently affected that new interface states emerge close to the Fermi level.

[en] In this paper, we report the direct chemical synthesis of silicon sheets in gram-scale quantities by chemical exfoliation of pre-processed calcium disilicide (CaSi₂). We have used a combination of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to characterize the obtained silicon sheets. We found that the clean and crystalline silicon sheets show a two-dimensional hexagonal graphitic structure. (fast track communication)