Large-area synthesis of van der Waals two-dimensional material Nb3I8 and its infrared detection applications

The two-dimensional (2D) inorganic material Nb3I8, which can be separated into atomic planes, was synthesized through a vapor transport reaction between niobium and iodine. High-purity and cm scale large Nb3I8 crystals were obtained by controlling the growth temperature (600–700 °C) and the stoichiometric ratio between niobium and iodine (using excess I2 condition, niobium: iodine = 3:9). The semiconductor characteristics were measured by the...