Synthesis, properties and applications of antimonene – A review

Abstract

Two-dimensional materials from groups IV-A and V-A of the periodic table, including graphene, silicene, and phosphorene, have received notable interest during the last several years due to their distinctive features and potential applications across multiple domains. Antimonene is distinguished from other two-dimensional crystals by its exceptional stability, spin–orbit coupling strength and the significant changes in its properties with the variation of layers from single-layer to few-layer configurations. This review conducts a thorough investigation into the structural, electronic, and optical characteristics of antimonene, while also providing a critical evaluation of its synthesis methods and the advancements made in addressing integration challenges. By exploring its applications across various fields, including transistors, energy storage, and biomedical devices, we emphasize its transformative capabilities and identify the primary scientific and technological obstacles that need to be addressed. Furthermore, we suggest future research avenues aimed at enhancing the properties of antimonene and realizing its full potential in next-generation technologies. This extensive analysis highlights the importance of antimonene in the progression of materials science and engineering, offering valuable perspectives on its influence in shaping future technological developments.