The breakthrough discovery of graphene in 2004 has catalyzed an explosion of interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials. This seminal moment set off a flurry of research endeavors aimed at exploring the vast landscape of 2D materials for their unique properties and potential applications. These materials, with typical graphene-like layered structure, not only served as a fertile ground for fundamental research in condensed-matter physics but also paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in various technological domains. In 2019, we introduced the first-ever 2D inorganic molecular crystal (IMC) known as Sb₂O₃ and unveiled a novel structural configuration characterized by small inorganic molecules bonded together through van der Waals (vdW) interactions. This revelation opened a new frontier in the exploration of 2D IMCs, sparking widespread interest to explore their unique properties and potential applications. In this Account, we introduce the concept of 2D IMCs and provide a comprehensive overview of the pioneering research conducted in this burgeoning field. The allure of uncovering novel properties and unlocking the transformative potential of materials possessing unconventional structures has propelled 2D IMCs into the spotlight of scientific inquiry. Since the inception of the concept of 2D IMCs, our research efforts have been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of this emerging field. We have not only expanded the repertoire of 2D IMCs by discovering new materials with diverse properties but also delved into uncharted territory by uncovering novel phenomena through the strategic modulation of interactions between inorganic molecules, and we have unraveled how the molecular interactions can significantly modulate the charge transport within IMCs. Furthermore, our exploration into the practical applications of 2D IMCs has yielded promising results. We showcased their potential applications as versatile vdW dielectrics in advanced 2D electronics. Owing to their unique structural characteristics, 2D IMCs, which can form a high-quality vdW interface with 2D channels in 2D devices and greatly optimize their performance, offer unparalleled advantages over traditional dielectrics, and underscore their immense potential in driving technological innovation of 2D devices. It is evident that the exploration of 2D IMCs presents a wealth of untapped research opportunities. Through this Account, we aim to provide a solid foundation for researchers to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of 2D IMCs and kindle their curiosity in exploring the boundless possibilities offered by these extraordinary materials. As we continue to chart new frontiers in the realm of 2D materials, we are optimistic that the journey ahead will be marked by groundbreaking discoveries and transformative advancements, propelled by the collective efforts of the scientific community.

中文翻译：

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二维无机分子晶体的出现

2004 年石墨烯的突破性发现引发了人们对二维 (2D) 材料的兴趣激增。这一具有开创性的时刻引发了一系列研究工作，旨在探索二维材料的独特性能和潜在应用。这些材料具有典型的类石墨烯层状结构，不仅为凝聚态物理基础研究提供了沃土，而且为各个技术领域的突破性进展铺平了道路。 2019 年，我们推出了首款被称为 Sb ₂ O ₃的二维无机分子晶体 (IMC) ，并揭示了一种新颖的结构配置，其特征是小无机分子通过范德华 (vdW) 相互作用键合在一起。这一发现开辟了二维 IMC 探索的新领域，激发了人们对探索其独特性能和潜在应用的广泛兴趣。在本报告中，我们介绍了 2D IMC 的概念，并全面概述了在这个新兴领域进行的开创性研究。发现具有非常规结构的材料的新特性和释放其变革潜力的吸引力已将二维 IMC 推向科学探究的聚光灯下。自 2D IMC 概念提出以来，我们的研究工作一直致力于突破这一新兴领域的界限。我们不仅通过发现具有不同特性的新材料扩展了 2D IMC 的范围，还通过战略性调节无机分子之间的相互作用发现新现象，深入探索了未知领域，并且我们已经揭示了分子相互作用如何显着调节电荷IMC 内的运输。此外，我们对二维 IMC 实际应用的探索也取得了可喜的成果。我们展示了它们作为先进二维电子学中的多功能 vdW 电介质的潜在应用。 2D IMC由于其独特的结构特点，可以与2D器件中的2D通道形成高质量的vdW接口，并大幅优化其性能，具有传统电介质无可比拟的优势，在推动2D器件技术创新方面具有巨大潜力。显然，二维 IMC 的探索提供了大量尚未开发的研究机会。通过这个帐户，我们的目标是为研究人员提供坚实的基础，让他们熟悉二维 IMC 的复杂性，并激发他们探索这些非凡材料所提供的无限可能性的好奇心。随着我们不断开拓二维材料领域的新领域，我们乐观地认为，在科学界集体努力的推动下，未来的旅程将以突破性的发现和变革性的进步为标志。