ABSTRACT
The naturally occurring surface oxides of liquid metals are known as high-quality and defects-free 2D nanostructures. These family of 2D materials are found as valuable candidates for synthesis and extraction of 2D nanostructures, which are not available as the layered materials. The crystalline or amorphous nature of surface oxide of liquid metals and their alloys is the host of several distinguished properties. Thus, these 2D nanostructures provide a new platform for development of high-quality atomically-thin materials for advanced electronic applications. Owing to the lack of strong attachment bonding, the surface oxide films can be separated from their host alloy by using the vdW attraction forces. The post-treatment of surface oxide of liquid metals ensures successful synthesis of novel non-oxide 2D semiconductors with unexpected properties. The post-processing techniques can also be employed to fabricate 2D vdW heterostructures. The present chapter will review the fundamental concepts and technical aspects of development of electronic devices based on atomic-scale 2D surface oxide of liquid metals and their alloys.
