Wrinkling of two-dimensional materials: methods, properties and applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) possess tunable electronic, optical, and electrical properties.
• Fabrication of atomic-thickness 2D materials often results in unavoidable wrinkles and folds.
• These wrinkled structures can positively influence the properties of 2D materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of wrinkled 2D materials.
• To discuss the formation, fabrication, and underlying mechanisms of wrinkled patterns.
• To explore the impact of wrinkling on the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties of 2D materials.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on 2D material fabrication and characterization.
• Analysis of the relationship between wrinkled topography and material properties.
• Discussion of property modification through surface topography control and dynamic stretching.

Main Results:

• Wrinkled structures in 2D materials induce significant improvements in their properties.
• Properties can be tuned by controlling surface topography and mechanical strain.
• Wrinkling enables diverse applications in flexible electronics, sensors, and energy devices.

Conclusions:

• Wrinkled 2D materials present a promising platform for advanced technological applications.
• Controlling wrinkling offers a pathway to engineer material properties for specific uses.
• Future research should address the opportunities and challenges in harnessing wrinkled 2D materials.