Fabrication of 2D Crystals by Intercalation of a Bulk ZnWO4 Single Crystals

In the present paper, we describe a method for obtaining two-dimensional dielectric crystal from bulk ZnWO
4
single crystals. The method includes a combination of intercalation and an ultrasonic treatment of a suspension of ZnWO
4
single crystals. For the first time, ZnWO
4
crystals down to 1.5 nm thick were obtained. The intercalation is shown to proceed predominantly through vertical defects in the crystal. The shape of the microcrystals obtained exhibits a pronounced faceting typical of single-crystal ZnWO
4
fragments. The technique proposed makes it possible to exfoliate monolayer crystals. The results of the present study can prove useful for creation of new free-standing two-dimensional film heterostructures. The obtained suspension of dielectric two-dimensional crystals is promising in two-dimensional printing for flexible electronics.