Two-dimensional (2D) materials

Two-dimensional materials are part of a larger category of nanomaterials differentiated by their dimensions, specifically falling within the nanoscale range. These are materials that have a thickness of only a few atoms or even a single atom, giving them unique properties compared to their 3D counterparts.

A relatively new addition to the materials science domain, two-dimensional (2D) materials, also known as 2D nanomaterials, have shown great potential for revolutionizing various fields, from electronics to medicine.

Nanomaterials are primarily categorized based on the dimensional characteristics they display. These dimensions are classified as zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials, all of which fall within the nanoscale range.

2D materials are a unique type of nanomaterial. These are characterized by two dimensions that stretch beyond the 100 nm limit, while the third dimension is confined to a few atomic layers thick. This results in plate-like materials that include graphene, MXenes, phosphorene (also known as black phosphorus), and hexagonal boron nitride.

Lastly, 3D nanomaterials, such as bulk powders, dispersions of nanoparticles, bundles of nanowires, and nanotubes, have all three dimensions within the nanoscale. These materials differ from 2D materials, which are restricted to flat, sheet-like structures.

The special properties of 2D materials stem from their incredibly thin structure. 2D materials, with their high surface area to volume ratio, remarkable mechanical strength, and superior electronic conductivity, possess extraordinary physical and chemical properties that distinguish them from their 3D bulk counterparts. They have stirred immense interest in the scientific community, leading to innovative applications in various fields.

One of the significant advantages of 2D materials is their high surface area, making them perfect for catalytic reactions. Moreover, their exceptional electronic conductivity propels their use in electronics and energy storage devices. Due to their thin, flat structure, 2D materials can be layered or stacked in different combinations, known as van der Waals heterostructures, to create new materials with customized properties. This opens up a world of possibilities for new, ground-breaking applications.

The most famous 2D material, graphene, is stronger than steel, an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, and almost entirely transparent.

In recent years, there has been a surge in research into 2D layered materials and their hybrids, prompted by the unique optical and electronic properties of graphene, and its potential applications, particularly in nanoelectronics. Atomic layered crystals, including transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), semiconducting dichalcogenides, monoatomic buckled crystals like phosphorene, and diatomic hexagonal boron nitride, form part of this broad spectrum of 2D materials.

These materials can either be obtained by exfoliating bulk materials down to smaller scales or via epitaxial growth and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for larger areas.

The manufacturing and synthesis of 2D materials is a critical aspect of their application in various fields. Given the thinness of these materials – often just one to a few atoms thick – their manufacturing processes differ significantly from those of traditional 3D materials. Here are the most prominent methods:

Mechanical exfoliation, also known as the "Scotch tape method," was the first method used to isolate graphene, the first 2D material ever discovered. This process involves using adhesive tape to peel off layers from a piece of graphite, resulting in thin flakes of graphene. While this method is simple and inexpensive, it doesn't lend itself to large-scale production and the size and quality of the graphene produced can be inconsistent.

Chemical vapor deposition is a widely used method for producing high-quality, large-area 2D materials. In this process, a substrate (typically a metal) is exposed to one or more volatile precursors, which react or decompose on the substrate surface to produce the desired material. For example, in the case of graphene, a common method is to expose a copper substrate to methane gas at high temperatures. The methane decomposes, and the carbon atoms arrange themselves into a graphene layer on the copper surface. This method can produce high-quality 2D materials but is complex and requires precise control of temperature and pressure.

Liquid-phase exfoliation involves dispersing layered materials into a liquid medium and then applying ultrasonic energy to separate the layers into individual, atomically thin flakes. This method has the potential for large-scale production of 2D materials and can produce materials with a range of layer numbers, sizes, and shapes. However, it may result in lower-quality materials than other methods, and the choice of liquid medium can significantly influence the results.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy is a highly controlled deposition technique used to create single layers of atoms. This is accomplished by heating elemental sources, which then travel to the substrate where they condense and form the 2D material. This method allows for high precision and control over the structure of the 2D material.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and challenges, and the choice of method depends on factors such as the specific 2D material being produced, the desired properties of the material, and the intended application. As research progresses, these methods are being continually improved, and new methods are being developed to more efficiently and effectively produce high-quality 2D materials.

2D materials, with their unique properties and characteristics, are finding a variety of uses across different industries. Here are a few key areas where these materials have begun to show significant potential:

The semiconductor industry has been one of the first to explore the potential of 2D materials. Graphene, for example, has been extensively studied for its exceptional electronic properties. It exhibits high electron mobility, making it a potent material for future high-speed electronic devices, including transistors and sensors. Moreover, other 2D materials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), are being investigated for their semiconducting properties, offering a possible alternative to silicon in future electronics.

2D materials also offer great promise in the field of energy storage and conversion. With their high surface area and exceptional electrical properties, they can greatly enhance the performance of batteries and supercapacitors. They can also play a critical role in solar cells and fuel cells. For instance, graphene can improve the efficiency of solar cells, while transition metal dichalcogenides can be used as effective catalysts in hydrogen production.

The biomedical field is another area where 2D materials are expected to make a substantial impact. Given their biocompatibility and functionalization potential, these materials can be used in drug delivery systems, biosensing, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. For example, graphene and its derivatives have been explored for drug delivery applications due to their ability to readily conjugate with various biomolecules.

2D materials, due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and excellent electrical properties, can be used to develop highly sensitive and fast-responding sensors. For example, graphene-based sensors have been shown to detect individual gas molecules, paving the way for highly accurate air quality monitoring systems. Similarly, molybdenum disulfide has been used to create flexible photodetectors with high light sensitivity.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, since their debut with graphene, have been the subject of intense research. Their ultra-thin structure combined with unique and often extraordinary properties positions them at the forefront of several scientific and technological revolutions.

While graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), black phosphorus, and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are well-known 2D materials, new ones are constantly being discovered and synthesized. Examples include phosphorene, stanene, and germanene, each possessing unique properties that lend themselves to various applications.

Phosphorene, a monolayer of black phosphorus, exhibits a direct bandgap and high carrier mobility, making it suitable for optoelectronics and nanoelectronics. Stanene and germanene, on the other hand, are predicted to be topological insulators, materials that conduct electricity on the surface but act as insulators in the bulk. This could potentially revolutionize quantum computing and spintronics.

The scalability of 2D material production is a critical factor in their practical application. While methods such as mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition have been employed successfully, there are ongoing efforts to improve and discover new production methods. For instance, roll-to-roll production, a technique borrowed from the paper industry, is being adapted for the mass production of 2D materials, promising a future where these materials become commonplace.

The potential applications for 2D materials continue to expand as our understanding grows. For example, in the realm of quantum technology, 2D materials could serve as the building blocks for quantum bits, or qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computers.

In the field of energy, the high surface area of 2D materials could enhance the performance of batteries and supercapacitors. Plus, the photovoltaic effect seen in some 2D materials could be harnessed for more efficient solar cells.

Biomedicine is another sector that could benefit tremendously from these materials. From drug delivery to biosensing and tissue engineering, the possibilities are virtually endless.

While the future of 2D materials is promising, it is not without challenges. Issues with stability, production scalability, and integration into existing technologies must be addressed. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and discovery. As researchers and engineers worldwide continue to explore the potential of 2D materials, the coming years will undoubtedly bring exciting developments.

In conclusion, the journey into the world of 2D materials is just beginning. Their unique properties and vast potential signal a new era in materials science, capable of shaping the future of numerous industries. As we dive deeper into the exploration of these extraordinary materials, their transformative power is anticipated to unfold, making the world of 2D materials a truly exciting frontier.

As we deepen our understanding of 2D materials and continue to refine our abilities to manipulate and manufacture them, we can expect the range of their applications to broaden. This is an exciting field of study, and we're just beginning to scratch the surface of the possibilities these materials hold.

If you want to delve deeper into this topic, we recommend reading this review article in iScience "Prospective applications of two-dimensional materials beyond laboratory frontiers: A review".

2D materials, also known as two-dimensional materials, are substances composed of a single layer of atoms. They are considered 2D because they extend in only two dimensions: length and width. The most popular example of a 2D material is graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.

2D materials are important because of their unique properties that aren't found in their 3D counterparts. These properties include exceptional strength, flexibility, transparency, and high electron mobility. As such, 2D materials hold great potential for applications in various fields like electronics, sensors, energy storage, and quantum computing.

There are several types of 2D materials including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), and phosphorene. Each 2D material has unique properties that make them suitable for different applications.

2D materials are typically made using various top-down and bottom-up fabrication techniques. The most well-known method is mechanical exfoliation, also known as the "scotch tape method", which was used to isolate graphene. Other techniques include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), liquid exfoliation, and epitaxial growth.

2D materials are promising for electronics due to their high electron mobility, flexibility, and the possibility for miniaturization. They could be used in the development of ultra-thin and flexible electronic devices, including transistors, sensors, and photodetectors. Their high thermal conductivity also makes them suitable for thermal management applications in electronics.

2D materials can greatly enhance the performance of energy storage devices. For instance, they can be used in supercapacitors due to their large surface area, and in batteries as electrode materials to increase energy density. They can also be incorporated in fuel cells to increase their efficiency.

While 2D materials hold great potential, there are also challenges in their use. These include difficulty in producing high-quality 2D materials at a large scale, control of their properties, and integration into existing technology. In addition, more research is needed to fully understand their properties and potential impact on the environment and health.

Compared to traditional 3D materials, 2D materials exhibit unique properties such as higher strength, transparency, and better charge mobility. However, 2D materials are generally more difficult to manufacture and handle due to their ultra-thin nature. They also require more research to understand their potential implications fully.

The environmental impact of 2D materials is still being researched. While they could potentially lead to more energy-efficient technologies, concerns exist about their manufacturing process and disposal. It's essential to develop environmentally friendly methods for 2D material production and disposal to mitigate any potential negative impact.

The future of 2D materials is promising, with extensive ongoing research exploring their potential applications. As our understanding and ability to manufacture these materials improves, we can expect to see 2D materials being increasingly used in various technology areas like electronics, energy, sensors, and even quantum computing.

By Michael Berger – Michael is author of three books by the Royal Society of Chemistry:
Nano-Society: Pushing the Boundaries of Technology,
Nanotechnology: The Future is Tiny, and
Nanoengineering: The Skills and Tools Making Technology Invisible
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