Research and Applications of 2D Materials

Two dimensional (2D) materials are single or few atom thick solid materials that exhibit considerably different physiochemical properties when compared to their bulk versions. The most well-known 2D material is graphene, a single layer of hexagonally bonded carbon atoms. Stacking layers of graphene forms the bulk material graphite. While graphene exhibits semi-metal electronic properties, other 2D materials are semiconducting, superconducting, or insulating. Many different methods have been used to isolate or synthesize 2D materials including, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), mechanical exfoliation, and chemical exfoliation to name a few, and extensive research has gone into the characterization of different 2D materials. This research has given insight into the properties and characteristics of these materials and how their unique properties can be leveraged for multiple applications. Applications of 2D materials are vast and have potential in many different areas such as: electronics, catalysis, high performance sensors, and dry lubricants. Although potential for new sophisticated micro/nanoscale devices are possible; scalable nanofabrication continues to be at the forefront of the current research surrounding 2D materials.