Realization of continuous Zachariasen carbon monolayer

Rapid progress in two-dimensional (2D) crystalline materials has recently enabled a range of device possibilities. These possibilities may be further expanded through the development of advanced 2D glass materials. Zachariasen carbon monolayer, a novel amorphous 2D carbon allotrope, was successfully synthesized on germanium surface. The one-atom-thick continuous amorphous layer, in which the in-plane carbon network was fully sp2-hybridized, was achieved at high temperatures (>900°C) and a controlled growth rate. We verified that the charge carriers within the Zachariasen carbon monolayer are strongly localized to display Anderson insulating behavior and a large negative magnetoresistance. This new 2D glass also exhibited a unique ability as an atom-thick interface layer, allowing the deposition of an atomically flat dielectric film. It can be adopted in conventional semiconductor and display processing or used in the fabrication of flexible devices consisting of thin inorganic layers.