What are 2D Materials?
Two dimensional(2D) materials also known as single layer materials just as the name tells us are defined as crystalline materials consisting of single or few layer atoms. These materials are essentially one or two atoms thick and the atoms are arranged in a single layer often with a hexagonal configuration or otherwise depending on the material, creating a two dimensional structure. These materials can be thought of as a sheet of paper but on a Nano scale. Since their discovery, 2D materials are known to be the wonder material of the 21st century and have a promising chance in revolutionizing various industries ranging from technology to medicine.
Graphene
A diagram of the structure of graphene
So yes we’ve all come across pencils and I would want to ask what material is it that pencils are made of well besides the casing? Graphite. Yes of course, Graphite. Now graphite is made up of layers of carbon atoms stacked on top of one another with Van der Waal’s force holding them together. When you write, layers of the carbon atoms making up the rod are detached from this family of carbon atoms and gets onto your paper. Looking at this large structure of carbon atoms, when a layer is isolated layer we have Graphene. This groundbreaking work of isolating graphene from graphite was done by two scientist Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov at the University of Manchester. It was done by a method known as exfoliation (Scotch tape method) in 2004 which won them the Nobel prize in 2010. This sparked research interest of graphene worldwide and has led to the discovery and methods of making other 2D materials like include Boron Nitride, Sicilene and many others. We now witness a whole new world of 2D materials which show promising potential to unlock new possibilities and shape a brighter future.
What are the promising capabilities of 2D materials?
Looking at electronics, 2D materials exhibit outstanding electrical conductivity and tunable bandgap which would lead to faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. Even though these materials are ultrathin, they possess exceptional strength. Graphene for instance is stronger than steel pound for pound and therefore can be used in areas such as aerospace, automotive engineering where strength and weight are important factors. In the area of energy storage, 2D materials have a large surface area and this coupled with their conductivity would also help enhance their performance in energy storage devices. 2D materials are also flexible and this can be used in the development of flexible and wearable electronic devices which would also prove to be useful when it comes to the aspect of biomedical engineering.
2D materials have a lot to offer and with what we currently know, it can be said that the advent of this industry would be a game changer in numerous industries in years to come. More is to be expected and I would admonish we don’t miss out on what is to come.