Due to its distinct physicochemical properties, silicene, a silicon allotrope
with a 2-D honeycomb assembly, has attracted considerable interest from the entire
research community. The mixed sp2
/sp3
hybridization of silicon atoms increases surface
chemical activity and enables a range of mechanical and electronic characteristics. A
new topology of silicon-based nanoparticles known as 2D silicene has recently been
developed. It has a distinctive planar structure with a considerable surface, unusual
physiochemical characteristics, and favorable biological effects. In theoretical
observation, it exhibits remarkable characteristics and has many advantages over
graphene as a 2D material, which makes it a more exciting component and a matter of
deep study. So, the present chapter provides a complete overview of this 2D material
covering its wide applications in different sectors. The chapter mainly provides insights
into the synthesis approach and its characteristics, including its mechanical, electrical,
and spintronic attributes. Then, to shed light on the various phases of silicene seen on
the metal surfaces on its electrical structures, we describe the experimental
characterization of silicene. The chapter also covers the most current uses of silicene
outlined in the context of nanoelectronics.
Keywords: Band Structure, Density Functional Theory, Scanning Tunnel Microscopy, Spin-Orbit Coupling, Xenes, 2D materials.
