From Theory to Practice: Revolutionizing 2D Material Synthesis

From Theory to Practice: Revolutionizing 2D Material Synthesis
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 19, 2024

Researchers at Linkoping University, Sweden, have developed a new method that could significantly expand the universe of two-dimensional (2D) materials with potential applications in energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. Published in the Science journal, this innovative approach paves the way for synthesizing hundreds of new 2D materials, previously unachievable with existing techniques.

The allure of 2D materials, such as the well-known graphene, lies in their unique properties-high conductivity, strength, and heat resistance-attributed to their immense surface area relative to volume. Johanna Rosen, professor of Materials Physics at Linkoping University, highlights the significance, "In a film merely a millimeter thin, millions of layers can coexist, fostering a multitude of chemical reactions ideal for energy storage and fuel generation."

Historically, the synthesis of 2D materials has been confined to the MXenes family, derived from MAX phase parent materials through a process called chemical exfoliation. This method, however, has been limited to creating materials with a transition metal (M), an A-group element (A), and carbon or nitrogen (X).

The team at Linkoping University introduced a theoretical model to identify other 3D materials convertible into 2D forms. Utilizing the National Supercomputer Centre, they screened a database of 66,643 materials, identifying 119 promising candidates for conversion.

Jie Zhou, assistant professor in the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, explains the meticulous process of synthesizing these materials in the laboratory. "Among the 119 candidates, we focused on those with the requisite chemical stability. The real challenge was synthesizing the 3D material, which then allowed us to exfoliate and remove specific atom layers, creating high-quality 2D materials."

One such success story involved the material YRu2Si2, from which yttrium (Y) was removed, yielding a new 2D material, Ru2SixOy. Verification through the advanced scanning transmission electron microscope Arwen confirmed the accuracy of their theoretical model and the atomic composition of the resulting material.

This breakthrough extends the scope of chemical exfoliation beyond MXenes, opening up a myriad of possibilities for 2D materials. The potential applications of these materials are vast, ranging from carbon capture to water purification. The next challenge lies in scaling up these synthesis processes sustainably.

"In general, 2D materials hold promise for a wide array of applications. Our goal now is to scale up synthesis in a sustainable manner," concludes Johanna Rosen, envisioning a future where the applications of 2D materials are nearly limitless.

Research Report:Two-dimensional materials by large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation of layered solids