Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 2D-PRINTABLE (Developing New 2D Materials and Heterostructures for Printed Digital Devices)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-10-01 al 2025-03-31
The 2D-PRINTABLE project aims to integrate sustainable large-scale liquid exfoliation techniques with theoretical modelling to efficiently produce a wide range of new 2D materials (2DMs), including conducting, semiconducting, and insulating nanosheets. The focus includes developing the printing and liquid phase deposition methods required to fabricate networks and multicomponent heterostructures, featuring layer-by-layer assembly of nanometer-thick 2DMs into ordered multilayers. The goal is to optimize these printed networks and heterostructures for digital systems, unlocking new properties and functionalities. The project also seeks to demonstrate various printed digital devices, including proof-of-principle, first-time demonstration of all-printed, all-nanosheet, heterostack light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In conclusion, 2D-PRINTABLE will prove 2D materials to be an indispensable material class in the field of printed electronics, capable of producing far-beyond-state of-the-art devices that can act as a platform for the next generation of printed digital application.
The project is progressing successfully, with major achievements across all work packages. Novel 2D materials have been synthesized and functionalized, yielding promising results. Ink formulation and printing techniques have enabled the creation of high-performance devices, while advanced characterization methods have provided deep insights into material properties and network structures. Electrical characterization has optimized charge transport in printed networks and heterostructures, enhancing device performance.
The collaboration with the Graphene Flagship and engagement with stakeholders have increased the project's visibility and impact. Synthesis efforts involved screening nearly one million compounds, identifying over 2000 exfoliable materials, and synthesizing 3D crystals to produce more than 100 layered compounds. Liquid-phase exfoliation techniques successfully generated high-quality nanosheets suitable for industrial production.
Functionalization strategies, such as controlled oxidation and thiol functionalization, improved stability and surface properties, while non-covalent functionalization enhanced colloidal stability. Microfluidic approaches helped construct in-plane heterostructures, strengthening interflake coupling. Ink formulation optimizations led to record mobility in devices, with advanced deposition methods producing pinhole-free heterostructures.
Comprehensive characterization using AFM, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, and advanced spectroscopies enabled detailed analysis of nanosheets and interfaces. Electrical studies using impedance spectroscopy and KPFM informed charge transport improvements. Device fabrication successes include high-capacitance capacitors and high-mobility TFTs, with ongoing work on light-sensitive devices and LEDs.
Robust dissemination, including publications and outreach, combined with effective project management, has ensured smooth coordination and quality assurance, keeping the project on track to meet its goals.
The collaboration with the Graphene Flagship and engagement with stakeholders have increased the project's visibility and impact. Synthesis efforts involved screening nearly one million compounds, identifying over 2000 exfoliable materials, and synthesizing 3D crystals to produce more than 100 layered compounds. Liquid-phase exfoliation techniques successfully generated high-quality nanosheets suitable for industrial production.
Functionalization strategies, such as controlled oxidation and thiol functionalization, improved stability and surface properties, while non-covalent functionalization enhanced colloidal stability. Microfluidic approaches helped construct in-plane heterostructures, strengthening interflake coupling. Ink formulation optimizations led to record mobility in devices, with advanced deposition methods producing pinhole-free heterostructures.
Comprehensive characterization using AFM, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, and advanced spectroscopies enabled detailed analysis of nanosheets and interfaces. Electrical studies using impedance spectroscopy and KPFM informed charge transport improvements. Device fabrication successes include high-capacitance capacitors and high-mobility TFTs, with ongoing work on light-sensitive devices and LEDs.
Robust dissemination, including publications and outreach, combined with effective project management, has ensured smooth coordination and quality assurance, keeping the project on track to meet its goals.
Database on available materials- We curated a database of over 3,000 novel 2D materials, identified via high-throughput DFT calculations from known inorganic compounds.
Tuneable functionalization of TMDs- progress in defect and covalent functionalization of 2D materials, focusing on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
Production of novel 2D materials through liquid-phase exfoliation techniques: we explored various 2D materials, including conductive electrochemically exfoliated graphene, semiconducting transition metal chalcogenides, and dielectric oxyhalides, refining them towards newly tailored properties.
Optimization of novel 2D material ink formulations: by adjusting ink properties such as viscosity and solvent composition, we ensured that these inks are suitable for high-quality printing and coating.
Validation of printing techniques for 2D material inks: several deposition methods, including Langmuir-Schaeffer (LS) liquid-liquid interfacial deposition and spray coating, were screened and optimized. These methods are essential for creating uniform and high performance films from our 2D material inks, as needed for solution-processed digital electronics
Tuneable functionalization of TMDs- progress in defect and covalent functionalization of 2D materials, focusing on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
Production of novel 2D materials through liquid-phase exfoliation techniques: we explored various 2D materials, including conductive electrochemically exfoliated graphene, semiconducting transition metal chalcogenides, and dielectric oxyhalides, refining them towards newly tailored properties.
Optimization of novel 2D material ink formulations: by adjusting ink properties such as viscosity and solvent composition, we ensured that these inks are suitable for high-quality printing and coating.
Validation of printing techniques for 2D material inks: several deposition methods, including Langmuir-Schaeffer (LS) liquid-liquid interfacial deposition and spray coating, were screened and optimized. These methods are essential for creating uniform and high performance films from our 2D material inks, as needed for solution-processed digital electronics