Epitaxially grown monolayer VSe2: an air-stable magnetic two-dimensional material with low work function at edges

Zhong-Liu Liu, Xu Wu, Yan Shao, Jing Qi, Yun Cao, Li Huang, Chen Liu, Jia-Ou Wang, Qi Zheng, Zhi-Li Zhu, Kurash Ibrahim, Ye-Liang Wang, Hong-Jun Gao

Index: 10.1016/j.scib.2018.03.008

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Abstract

Recent experimental breakthroughs open up new opportunities for magnetism in few-atomic-layer two-dimensional (2D) materials, which makes fabrication of new magnetic 2D materials a fascinating issue. Here, we report the growth of monolayer VSe2 by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method. Electronic properties measurements by scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) method revealed that the as-grown monolayer VSe2 has magnetic characteristic peaks in its electronic density of states and a lower work-function at its edges. Moreover, air exposure experiments show air-stability of the monolayer VSe2. This high-quality monolayer VSe2, a very air-inert 2D material with magnetism and low edge work function, is promising for applications in developing next-generation low power-consumption, high efficiency spintronic devices and new electrocatalysts.