Group IVA of 2D Xenes materials (Silicene, Germanene, Stanene, Plumbene)

As graphene analogues, other single-layer atomic crystals of group IVA arranged in a honeycomb lattice (including silicene, germanene, stanene, and plumbene) have attracted much attention. In both theory and experiment, they have hosted a variety of exotic properties, including high carrier mobility, linear dispersion energy bands, and quantum spin hall effect, thus making them attractive candidates for many applications in frontier fields. In this paper, the authors review the recent advances in 2D materials based on sp3-hybridized group IVA elements, focusing on their preparation, structure, properties, as well as their potential applications in varying fields such as transistors, batteries, and gas sensors.