A variety of methods exist to deposit atomically-thin (two-dimensional) crystals. But large-scale deposition has remained a challenge.
However a recent RMIT-led study has found success with a new technique with potential to open new doors for two-dimensional semiconductors.
The discovery has been described as a ‘once-in-a-decade’ advance.
The new technique introduces room-temperature liquid metals (gallium-based) as a successful reaction environment for the synthesis of desirable, atomically-thin oxides that were unattainable using prior methods.
It’s a process so cheap and simple that it could be done on a kitchen stove by a non-scientist.
“I could give these instructions to my mum, and she would be able to do this at home,” study author Torben Daeneke said.
The study is published in Science today, and is discussed at ScienceDaily and the ABC. See the RMIT website for more information, and contact details for the scientists.
Prof Kalantar-Zadeh at RMIT
Deposition of atomically-thin materials is key to FLEET’s quest to develop a new generation of ultra-low energy electronics. Study co-author Kourosh Kalatantar-Zadeh is a Chief Investigator in FLEET, and develops novel two-dimensional semiconducting materials through theory, synthesis, and characterisation.
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