Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
09:25
Fabricating van der Waals Heterostructures with Precise Rotational Alignment
Published on: July 5, 2019
10.2K
van der Waals Layered Materials: Opportunities and Challenges
Dinh Loc Duong1, Seok Joon Yun1, Young Hee Lee1
1Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS) , Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
ACS Nano
|December 9, 2017
Summary
Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials exhibit unique quantum phenomena distinct from their 3D counterparts. This review covers their properties, heterostructures, and challenges for quantum devices.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The advent of graphene via scotch tape method spurred intensive research into two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered materials.
- These 2D vdW materials display exotic phenomena, often deviating from the known physics and chemistry of their three-dimensional (3D) bulk counterparts.
- The ability to easily construct heterostructures through exfoliation has enabled numerous quantum mechanical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the special features and unique properties of 2D vdW materials.
- To discuss the technological relevance and potential applications of these materials.
- To identify and address remaining issues and challenges in the field.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of the existing van der Waals (vdW) materials library.
- Analysis of key material properties including vdW interaction, Coulomb interaction, and layer dependence.
- Discussion of techniques for engineering properties such as dielectric screening and work function, and methods for phase engineering.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of heterostructures formed from 2D vdW materials.
- Assessment of material stability and growth challenges.
- Identification of unique quantum mechanical phenomena arising in 2D vdW materials and their heterostructures.
Conclusions:
- 2D vdW materials offer a rich platform for exploring novel physics and developing advanced quantum devices.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in material growth and stability for broader technological adoption.
- The unique properties of 2D vdW materials, including their tunable electronic and optical characteristics, hold significant promise for future applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Van der Waals Interactions
72.2K
Atoms and molecules interact with each other through intermolecular forces. These electrostatic forces arise from attractive or repulsive interactions between particles with permanent, partial, or temporary charges. The intermolecular forces between neutral atoms and molecules are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, and dispersion forces, collectively known as van der Waals forces.
72.2K
01:10Van der Waals Equation
6.5K
The ideal gas law is an approximation that works well at high temperatures and low pressures. The van der Waals equation of state (named after the Dutch physicist Johannes van der Waals, 1837−1923) improves it by considering two factors.
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...
6.5K
02:37Metallic Solids
21.0K
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....
21.0K
02:18Network Covalent Solids
16.3K
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
16.3K
02:54Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge
26.8K
An ionic compound is stable because of the electrostatic attraction between its positive and negative ions. The lattice energy of a compound is a measure of the strength of this attraction. The lattice energy (ΔHlattice) of an ionic compound is defined as the energy required to separate one mole of the solid into its component gaseous ions. For the ionic solid sodium chloride, the lattice energy is the enthalpy change of the process:
26.8K
01:27Electrostatic Boundary Conditions in Dielectrics
1.9K
When an electric field passes from one homogeneous medium to another, crossing the boundary between the two mediums imparts a discontinuity in the electric field. This results in electrostatic boundary conditions that depend on the type of mediums the field propagates through.
Consider a case where both the mediums across a boundary are two different dielectric materials. Recall that the electric field and electric displacement are proportional and related through the material's permittivity....
Consider a case where both the mediums across a boundary are two different dielectric materials. Recall that the electric field and electric displacement are proportional and related through the material's permittivity....
1.9K