Elastic behavior of Bi2Se3 2D nanosheets grown by van der Waals epitaxy

Elastic properties of bismuth selenite (Bi2Se3) two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets were investigated using atomic force microscope (AFM) nanoindentations. Bi2Se3 2D nanosheets were synthesized by van der Waals epitaxy and subsequently transferred on SiO2/Si substrates containing pre-fabricated hole arrays. The suspension of 2D nanosheets was confirmed via the distinct optical contrast characteristics and AFM. In nanoindentations, the correlation between a point force load and the elastic response in the deformation depth was found being thickness-dependent, between 7 and 12 quintuple layers. The Young's modulus, E = 17.86–25.45 GPa (fitted value = 20.67 GPa), and the pretension, T = 0.0218–0.0417 N/m, acquired according to the bending plate regime are consistent with ones from the stretching membrane regime. Furthermore, these Bi2Se3 2D nanosheets could elastically endure a 4.0%–8.3% strain before being ruptured with AFM tips. Compliant and robust elastic properties of Bi2Se3 2D nanosheets, as observed, provide a feasible way for exploring the topological phase transition.