Synthesis of one-and two-dimensional carbon nitrides on Cu (111)

Low-dimensional carbon nitrides are expected to exhibit rich structural diversity and tunable electronic properties; however, their controlled synthesis remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of one- and two-dimensional carbon nitride phases on Cu(111) using ion-beam-assisted epitaxy. By systematically tuning the growth parameters, two distinct ordered phases are selectively stabilized: a two-dimensional 6×6 superstructure and a one-dimensional chain-like phase. Their structural and electronic properties are investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The combined measurements provide clear evidence for C-N bond formation and semiconducting behavior in both phases. These results establish ion-beam-assisted epitaxy as an effective route for realizing low-dimensional carbon nitrides and provide a platform for exploring low-dimensional electronic and optoelectronic devices.