High-quality devices based on layered heterostructures
are typically
built from materials obtained by complex solid-state physical approaches
or laborious mechanical exfoliation and transfer. Meanwhile, wet-chemically
synthesized materials commonly suffer from surface residuals and intrinsic
defects. Here, we synthesize using an unprecedented colloidal photocatalyzed,
one-pot redox reaction a few-layers bismuth hybrid of “electronic
grade” structural quality. Intriguingly, the material presents
a sulfur-alkyl-functionalized reconstructed surface that prevents
it from oxidation and leads to a tuned electronic structure that results
from the altered arrangement of the surface. The metallic behavior
of the hybrid is supported byab initiopredictions
and room temperature transport measurements of individual nanoflakes.
Our findings indicate how surface reconstructions in two-dimensional
(2D) systems can promote unexpected properties that can pave the way
to new functionalities and devices. Moreover, this scalable synthetic
process opens new avenues for applications in plasmonics or electronic
(and spintronic) device fabrication. Beyond electronics, this 2D hybrid
material may be of interest in organic catalysis, biomedicine, or
energy storage and conversion.