2D Materials

Two-dimensional materials (2DM) are few-atoms-thick crystals or layered compounds. Their list includes metals and semimetals, insulators, ferroelectrics, magnetics, and semiconductors with versatile mechanical, electronic, optical and thermal properties.

By exploring various families of 2DM, we identify their functionalities and employ those in developing composite materials where a small addition of a 2DM boosts performance and improves manufacturability of components for automotive, aerospace, and various wearable applications.

We assemble hybrid 2DM using layer-by-layer transfer to combine complementary functionalities of different layers within a nanometre-thin heterostructure.

Fine-tuning the alignment of 2D crystals produces moiré superlattices such as ‘twistronic’ heterostructures, qualitatively modifying their electronic properties towards topologically non-trivial quantum states and new strongly correlated phases of electrons.

This research theme is led by the University of Manchester but brings together some of the UK’s leading academics, from the universities of Manchester, Cambridge, Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London, Oxford and the National Physical Laboratory, who collaborate regularly to maintain the UK’s leading expertise in 2D materials. Other institutions that are not currently part of the Henry Royce Institute, including the universities of Nottingham and Warwick, also collaborate on the research.

To spearhead the development of new materials paradigms for innovative zero-carbon technologies and creation of new niche markets for high-performance products by:

• Exploring physical, chemical and biological functionalities of new 2DM and heterostructures for creating Materials 4.0 by intelligent design
• Developing new proof of concept devices, and develop scalable fabrication  techniques for applications in low-loss ICT and quantum technologies, including the integration with CMOS platforms
• Using 2DM for creating high-performance nano-composites, coatings, functional membranes and electrodes in batteries and supercapacitors which offer unique value propositions for various industries.

Close cooperation with National Graphene Institute, Manchester Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre, Cambridge Graphene Centre, Centre for Process Innovation, National Physical Laboratory, and UK companies. Collaboration with the European Graphene Flagship, 2DM Centres at Penn State University and National University of Singapore.

Communication with broader audiences is via 2DM Showcase events and Graphene Hackathons.