Project description
Integrating 2D nanomaterials and 3D printing enhances terahertz detection technology
The terahertz band of the electromagnetic spectrum is the last largely unexploited region. Located between the microwave and infrared wavelengths, terahertz waves are non-ionising, can penetrate many opaque materials, and can also stimulate molecular and electronic motion. These properties make them useful in areas such as detecting explosives or weapons, screening for cancer, and sensing a variety of biological and chemical components non-invasively and harmlessly. Until now, their commercial application has been hindered by technical challenges limiting performance and size. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the 3D-AM-TERA project is integrating exciting 2D nanomaterials and ultramodern 3D printing to overcome barriers to widespread uptake.
Objective
The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum finds application in different areas such as security checks, biology, detection of drugs and explosives, imaging and astronomy. The state-of-the-art THz detectors lack high sensitivity, fast operation, and portability. The proposed work will explore the possibility of significantly advancing the THz radiation detection process by using 2D MXene materials combining advanced developments in two frontier research areas, 3D printing of 2D materials with dedicated investigation on their ultrafast far-field and near-field THz spectroscopic properties. MXenes are nanometer thick conductive sheets and their interaction with the THz radiation can be strengthened by arranging them into a 3D pattern. To address the concept of novel devices made of MXene sheets with enhanced light-matter interaction, I propose to develop 3D printing technology able to create a sample interaction area with specifically arranged 2D sheets in 3D structures exhibiting complex percolation pathways, where all the atoms will be exposed to the THz light. This will allow maximum photon absorption in the entire photoactive assembly and thereby maximum photocurrent generation.
The project will answer questions of key intrinsic parameters of layered MXenes (attached functional groups, doping, defects) and of the role of the 3D structuring for optimizing the THz response and, ultimately, to what extent the 3D printing of 2D MXenes can fill the THz gap in the development of novel devices.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
182 21 Praha 8
Czechia