2-D PRessure nanoEngineering beyond STraintrOnics – 2D-PRESTO

Our project aims to revolutionize 2D-systems straintronics through a novel approach which we have coined “2D-perpendicular straintronics”, i.e., the modulation of the physical properties of 2D materials by applying mechanical efforts perpendicular to the 2D planes. With 2D-PRESTO we aim to: (O1) elaborate novel 2D-nanomaterials through new bond schemes between layers appearing at high pressure. (O2) Modulate the physical properties of the 2D systems - optical, electronic, plasmonic, superconductivity - by tuning the interaction between layered elements in bi- or n-layered 2D-systems including intercalation. Our studies will include homogeneous stacks of 2D systems as well as hybrid stacks. and (O3) 2D-PRESTO will also propose methods to harness the features of perpendicular-straintronics for applications as well as to valorize the scientific outcomes of the project through patents or high impact publications.
We will set the basis of perpendicular strain engineering of low-dimensional nano-systems through the study of the simplest and best controlled systems: individual suspended stacks of 2D nano-objects in which the interaction between layers is continuously tuned by external pressure through a controlled environment (use of helium or other rare-gas or liquids as high pressure medium). We have developed in the last years all the needed tools for the success of the project: technical substrates, high pressure methods for nanosystems, advanced in situ spectroscopies and modelling strategies. Suspended samples on lithographed substrates adapted to diamond anvil cell pressure apparatus will be coupled with advanced modelling, resonant and non-resonant vibrational spectroscopies, spatial modulation spectroscopy and electronic transport measurements. to explore the opportunities brought by this new approach.
Different 2D systems as graphene, hexagonal boron-nitride, TMDs (MoS2,…) but also 2D-newcomers will be explored varying the number of layers; the choice of the stacking (homo or hybrid-2D); orientation between layers (twist angle); environment (rare-gas, bond forming media (-OH, -H) ); and the possibility to incorporate charge-injection or/and nanostructuration parameters through intercalation.
We have gathered all the know-how and technical tools for a successful project: expertise in the elaboration of 2D-nanosystems, expertise in the study (experimental and theoretical) of nano-objects under pressure or the development of the needed advanced spectroscopies for the project.
With this strategy we aim to transform today’s 2D-straintronics, which is essentially an in-plane discipline, to a huger landscape through the continuous modulation of the interactions between the layers or layered elements in bi- or few-layered 2D-systems, including hybrid stacks. Perpendicular compressibility in multi-layered van der Waals based systems is hundreds of times more important than the in-plane one. We will not only explore a new approach for tuning the physical properties of the 2-D system (electronic, optical, mechanical…) as can be found in matrix-densified composites but we will also develop a method to elaborate new sensors and engineer novel 2D-nanomaterials with high potentiality for applications including in superconductivity, plasmonics, energy harvesting (photovoltaics, thermoelectricity), sensors,… Some of the technical developments in the project should also find direct market applications through an ongoing cooperation agreement with an SME.