SFB 1415: Chemistry of Synthetic Two-Dimensional Materials

2020/07 to 2024/06

Funding

Funding Body: DFG
Scheme: Collaborative Research Center
Volume: €

Description

Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) became popular over the last decade and offer great promise in applications. 2DMs represent a class of low-dimensional materials with single- to few-layers thickness (≤10 layers) and high structural definition at the atomic/molecular level. They are featured by nanoscale thickness in one dimension and “infinite” size in the other two dimensions. Moreover, layered 2DMs exhibit strong in-plane bonding and weak out-of-plane bonding. One of the key challenges is to synthesize 2DMs with high structural control at the atomic/molecular level. This Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) aims at the controlled bottom-up synthesis of novel synthetic 2DMs with high structural definition.

Therefore, we will focus on two pathways: 1) bottom-up synthesis of crystalline layer-stacked materials followed by their exfoliation into thin nanosheets; 2) direct synthesis of single- or few-layer 2DMs via solution-based construction/self-assembly from molecular precursors, surface- and interface-assisted syntheses. The second pathway involves atomic layer deposition (ALD) and on-surface synthesis. We will develop organic and inorganic 2DMs, as well as their hybrid superstructures, which includes organic 2D polymers (2DPs), 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs), 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (single-layer MOF = MOFene), inorganic 2D topological insulators (2D TIs), 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), 2D nanoplatelets (NPLs), 2D layered organic/metal halides (OMHs) as well as 2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs). Moreover, we will focus on in-situ and ex-situ spectroscopic, microscopic and diffraction characterization methods, which will allow us to analyse the morphologies, compositions, structures, crystallinity, defects and grain boundaries, monitor the reaction mechanisms, as well as investigate the surface/edge functionalization and physicochemical properties of 2DMs.

Our third focal point is to theoretically tackle the chemical and physical phenomena of 2DMs using advanced theoretical methods and models, and to predict the 2DM’s formation and their physical and chemical properties. The theoretical contribution will provide understanding on the structure of 2DMs, the molecular arrangement and interaction in solution or on surface (or at interface), the growth mechanisms of 2DMs, and the influence of lattice topologies, defects and strain effects on the optical, electronic, mechanical, catalytic and transport properties. In this context, three research areas will be established, which bridge A) material synthesis, B) structural [&] property characterizations and C) theory. Apart from the research projects, the Integrated Research Training Group 2D Materials will provide a framework to offer additional education and training in interdisciplinary competencies as well as soft and technical skills for the doctoral candidates in order to advance their qualifications and assist them building their career path.

Info page on DFG GEPRIS

Speaker: Prof. Xinliang Feng

Participating Institutions

More Information: https://tu-dresden.de/mn/chemie/sfb1415