Theoretical scientists have predicted SiC7 – a new phase of the graphene–silicene hybrid siligraphene, which if synthesisable, could revolutionise flexible optoelectronic devices such as solar cells.
A charge density map reveals delocalised π bonds in SiC7 siligraphene's irregular hexagonal rings
SiC7 siligraphene has an interesting structure with a graphene-like honeycomb lattice, but unlike graphene, its hexagonal rings are irregular. The scientists expect SiC7 siligraphene to be much better than SiC2 siligraphene and single-layer black phosphorus at absorbing sunlight. Additionally, broken symmetry caused by silicon doping would create band gaps that boost its optoelectronic properties.
Interested to know more? Read the full article by Suzanne Howson in Chemistry World.
The original article is free to access and can be read at:
SiC7 siligraphene: a novel donor material with extraordinary sunlight absorption
Huilong Dong, Liujiang Zhou, Thomas Frauenheim, Tingjun Hou, Shuit-Tong Lee and Youyong Li
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 6994-6999.
