Chemistry of Synthetic Two-Dimensional Materials: continuation for SFB 1415

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Our society significantly depends on advanced materials, which play a crucial role in a variety of technological developments, such as energy applications, electronics, and biotechnology. Two-dimensional materials (2DM) are particularly promising in this context due to their properties. 2DMs represent a class of nanomaterials with single- to few-layers thickness (≤ 10 layers) and high structural definition at the atomic/molecular level. 2D materials research began with the almost accidental discovery of graphene in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, University of Manchester, who were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.

The Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1415 “Chemistry of Synthetic Two-Dimensional Materials” aims at the controlled bottom-up synthesis and the development of novel synthetic 2DMs with high structural definition. Moreover, the development of in-situ and ex-situ characterization methods plays a key role. The third focal point of the research program 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.

‘In the past four years (2020-2024), we have gained extensive expertise at the CRC with regard to the establishment and further development of new synthesis methods for inorganic, organic and hybrid 2DM. We have advanced the development of new and the adaptation of existing characterization methods to the special features of 2DM and have established experimentally and theoretically combined methods for investigating the structure-property relationship in 2DM,’ explains CRC spokesperson Prof. Dr. Xinliang Feng. ‘Over the next four years, we want to strategically shift the scientific focus to understanding and adapting the functional properties of synthetic 2DM, for example (opto)electronic properties, topological and magnetic properties, catalysis as well as ion transport and ion storage properties. In addition, we will investigate how these properties develop in 2D heterostructures. Our aim is to develop novel synthetic 2DMs that can be used as unique materials for applications in electronics, sensor technology, etc.’