Peptide-driven Exfoliation and Organization of Multi-compositional 2D Nanomaterials
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and MoS2, comprise vertically-stacked thinsheets (1-3 atoms thick) in the bulk. Each 2D material has its own remarkable set of physical andchemical properties, where the ability to disassemble bulk 2D materials into separate sheets andreconstitute them into specific heterostructure combinations in a directed fashion, could deliver atransformative scientific breakthrough for electronic materials. The different 2D sheets could bevertically stacked or arranged laterally in specific orientations. To realize this grand challenge,several obstacles must be overcome. First, it is difficult to disassemble bulk 2D materials withoutdamaging individual sheets. Furthermore, the only way to vertically or laterally re-assemble thesematerials is highly laborious and low-throughput. To address these challenges, we will harness theprecision of biology to exploit the recognition between biomolecules, specifically peptides, andmaterials. In this project, by integrating experiments and computer modeling, we will design,create, and test Biomolecular Exfoliant and Assembly Motifs (BEAMs) that contain differentmaterials-recognizing peptides to both exfoliate 2D materials in water and direct their organizedassembly both vertically and laterally, into specific heterostructures. Peptides that can recognizeeither the planes or edges of the 2D sheets are possible, and exploitation of this effect is a pivotalaspect of our design. Our project will make new heterostructures from three disparate 2D materials:graphene (a conductor), boron nitride (an insulator), and MoS2 (a semiconductor). The closecombination of experimental approaches and complementary molecular modeling is an essentialelement of our strategy. Our resulting new heterostructures will be assessed for theirelectrical/conductivity properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 28, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810329
Entities
People
- Marc R Knecht
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Miami