Research Area A
Within the CRC, research area A) Material Synthesis provides the synthetic 2DMs, addressing the development of new chemical approaches for controlled synthesis of novel 2DMs in solution, on surfaces or at interfaces. Thus, the major focus of research area A includes synthetic methodology-/structure-/property-driven material topics. Another focus stresses the chemical functionalization of 2DMs for the modulation of surface/edge reactivity.
The objectives from research area A are grouped into three categories: 1) organic and organometallic 2DMs including 2D polymers (2DPs), single- and few-layer 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs), 2D metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and; 2) inorganic 2DMs including 2D topological insulators (TIs), 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and 2D nanoplatelets (NPLs); and 3) hybrid structures including layered organic-metal halid (OMH) materials and 2D van der Waals Heterostructures (vdWHs). The distribution of all projects is shown in the figure enclosed.
The 9 PIs from TUD, IFW and IPF with expert knowledge in chemical synthesis and functionalization of 2DMs and their zero-, one- and three-dimensional analogues are bundled in research area A and target the fundamental chemistry development of 2DMs. New chemical methodologies based on the top-down exfoliation and bottom-up syntheses in solution and on surfaces (or at interfaces) will be established for the generation of 2DMs with well-defined structures. At the same time, the controlled chemical functionalization of the 2DMs will be developed to tune the surface activities and the stability. Special emphasis will be given to analyse defects and grain boundaries, monitor the reaction mechanism, and crystallinity of the synthesized 2DMs in-situ, and study the surface site reactivity. Achieving these targets necessitates a close connection with research areas B) Structure & Property Characterization and C) Theory ( A⇄B⇄C⇄A).