Scientists Develop Breakthrough Method for Producing Atomically Thin 2D Metals
The van der Waals squeezing technique enables the creation of stable, ultrathin metal sheets with transformative potential for quantum and electronic devices.
- Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have introduced a new manufacturing technique called van der Waals (vdW) squeezing to produce 2D metals at atomic-scale thickness.
- The process involves melting metals and compressing them between rigid, atomically flat MoS2 monolayer anvils, achieving thicknesses as small as two to three atoms.
- This method successfully produced ultrathin sheets of metals such as bismuth, tin, lead, indium, and gallium, all stabilized against environmental degradation by encapsulation.
- The technique allows precise control over the metal layer's thickness and reveals unique layer-dependent properties, including enhanced electrical conductivity and new quantum behaviors.
- Experts highlight the potential applications of this breakthrough in developing advanced quantum, photonic, and electronic devices, with significant room for further research and innovation.
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