title: Two-dimensional transition metal honeycomb realized: Hf on Ir(111).
abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb systems made of elements with d electrons are rare. Here, we report the fabrication of a transition metal (TM) 2D layer, namely, hafnium crystalline layers on Ir(111). Experimental characterization reveals that the Hf layer has its own honeycomb lattice, morphologically identical to graphene. First-principles calculations provide evidence for directional bonding between adjacent Hf atoms, analogous to carbon atoms in graphene. Calculations further suggest that the freestanding Hf honeycomb could be ferromagnetic with magnetic moment μ/Hf = 1.46 μ(B). The realization and investigation of TM honeycomb layers extend the scope of 2D structures and could bring about novel properties for technological applications.
authors.affiliation: Beijing National Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China.
authors.forename: Linfei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yeliang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shengyi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Xian-Bin
authors.initials: XB
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yu-Qi
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Rongting
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Hongbo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Shengbai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Hong-Jun
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Gao
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D004583:Electrons; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D006195:Hafnium / Q000737:chemistry*; D007495:Iridium / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D028561:Transition Elements
chemical_list: D028561:Transition Elements; D007495:Iridium; D002244:Carbon; D006108:Graphite; D006195:Hafnium