Liquid Interfaces of 2D Materials for Nanoelectronic Devices – LIQUI2D

The aim of this project is the rational design of novel electronic devices, transistors or sensors, based on two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), such as MoS2 and WS2. In these devices the density and mobility of charge carriers in the 2D materials is controlled through ionic-liquid (IL) gating. An IL is a stable and safe, highly concentrated electrolyte that induces electrostatic doping in the TMDC through the ordering of ions in ultra-thin interfacial layers. So far, very little attention has been paid to choosing or designing these electrolytes, an opportunity we address. One strength of the project is its combined approach integrating physical chemistry of liquids and interfaces with nanomaterials science, through electronic structure theory, molecular simulation and experiments (AFM, XPS, capacitance). This project also connects fundamental research directly with the intended applications through the construction and testing of innovative prototypes.