Inorganic Molecular Chain Nb₂Se₉: Synthesis of Bulk Crystal and One‐Atom‐Thick Level Exfoliation

Abstract

A novel one‐dimensional (1D) inorganic material, Nb 2 Se 9 , which can be separated into atomic‐level, is synthesized through chemical reaction between Nb and Se sources. Nb 2 Se 9 and Se crystals are formed under an excess Se condition to avoid other phase such as NbSe 3 , and the residual Se can be removed by heat treatment; thus, high‐purity Nb 2 Se 9 crystals can be obtained. The one‐atom‐thick level Nb 2 Se 9 nanochains are successfully obtained by mechanical exfoliation and dispersion in a solvent. The covalently bonded Nb 2 Se 9 chain, when isolated from its three‐dimensional bulk material, is expected to have unique physical properties based on electron confinement in the 1D chain structure and the absence of dangling bonds. In addition, it has excellent thermal stability (up to 500 °C) and can be widely used in various fields.