Abstract Graphene and other single-layer two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) crystals have been of great research interest for the past two decades, demonstrating the possible interest for research on single-chain one-dimensional (1D) vdW materials. Furthermore, 1D vdW materials are predicted to have interesting physics and find applications in subnanometre electronic devices, as their sizes in both dimensions are close to physical limits. Here we prepared independent, single-chain 1D vdW crystals in which the single chains feature a definite chemical structure with a width of approximately 0.8 nm, a length reaching the micrometre scale and a single-chain ratio up to 90%. Atomically smooth vdW interfaces resulting from the inherent intrachain closed covalent bonding were observed, accompanied by good crystal quality and air stability. Low temperature electron transport measurements of the 1D vdW chains revealed typical single-electron tunnelling characteristics, demonstrating the possible applications of these materials in quantum technologies.
Zhan et al. (2026) studied this question.