This tutorial review presents an overview of the basic theoretical aspects of two-dimensional (2D) crystals. We revise essential aspects of graphene and the new families of semiconducting 2D materials, like transition metal dichalcogenides or black phosphorus.

We report isolation of antimonene, a new allotrope of antimony that consists on a single layer of atoms. Graphene is well-known by its tremendous potential applications; however the lack of electronic gap limits its use in the electronics technology.

The incorporation of magnetism to the long list of graphene capabilities has been pursued since its first isolation in 2004. The use of spin as an additional degree of freedom would represent a tremendous boost to the versatility of graphene based devices. On one hand, spin information transfer or spin diffusion phenomena are favored by the expected long spin relaxation times of graphene carriers.

The extraordinary strength, stiffness and lightness of graphene have generated great expectations of its application in flexible electro nics and as a mechanical reinforcement agent. However, the presence of lattice defects, un avoidable in sheets obtained by scalable routes, might degrade its mechanical properties.

Introducing a giant spin-orbit interaction on graphene/Ir(111) by intercalation of Pb. The intercalation of an ordered array of Pb atoms below graphene results in the appearance a series of equally spaced, sharp peaks in the differential conductance, as revealed by laterally resolved Tunnelling Spectroscopy at 4.6 K.