Why study 2D materials?
Research into the development and use of 2D materials has grown rapidly since Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov won the Nobel Prize in 2010 for their isolation of graphene. Understanding the structure and chemistry of these materials is a key part of this research, as these unique properties are essential to tailoring the materials to their target application.
2D materials consist of single or few atomic layers arranged in a two-dimensional structure. Examples include graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Their unique structure means that they exhibit properties different from their bulk material equivalents (e.g. graphene vs. graphite). This gives 2D materials exceptional electrical properties, exceptional mechanical strength and flexibility, intriguing optical properties, high chemical and environmental stability, versatile surface chemistry, and a large surface-to-volume ratio. For all these reasons, 2D materials are now being investigated for applications ranging from electronics and sensors to catalysis and protective coatings.
Analytically, the ultra-thin nature of the materials presents several challenges. Instruments must be able to visualize structures at the atomic level, quantify changes in chemistry in layers that are one atom thick, and visualize nano-scale structures that are vital to effective device performance. These challenges can be met with a handful of techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and others.
2D materials analysis techniques
Learn how electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques can help you analyze 2D materials.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.