Synthesis and Structure of 2D Materials

Abstract

Materials with two-dimensional (2D) structure have gained a huge momentum for practical applications due to their rich functional properties, such as electrochemical, magnetic, mechanical, chemical, optical, and electrical. Such functional properties can be controlled through tuning the layers/thickness of 2D materials along Z-axis. These materials are made of covalently bonded atoms forming a 2D sheet (XY-direction) beyond nanometer scale with thickness in atomic scale, where each sheet is connected through weak interlayer van der Waals bonding. For successful integration of 2D materials into device with high output, selective growth of required layers are highly essential, which can only be achieved through potential synthesis routes. Various synthesis approaches, such as mechanical exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), chemical and ultrasonic exfoliation, solvothermal and hydrothermal methods have been employed for the synthesis of high-quality 2D materials of improved functional properties. In this book chapter, we discuss the structure and synthesis of various 2D materials such as graphene, molybdenum sulfide, MXenes, etc. A brief discussion on the current progress in the synthesis of 2D materials is mentioned, which includes the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental procedures of 2D materials.