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Study could help develop biosensors for non-invasive diagnosis of diseases

A study from Brazil's University of São Paulo used self-assembled molecular monolayers to create biosensors for detecting the gene PCA3, which is specific to prostate cancer cells. The technique can also be used to diagnose infectious diseases like COVID-19, offering a non-invasive alternative to current methods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateMar 22, 2021

Shapeshifting crystals-varying stability in different forms of gallium selenide monolayers

Scientists investigate the structural stability, electronic states, and transformation of crystal phases of a recently identified polymorph of gallium selenide monolayer. The study reveals that the new phase is metastable, with stability reversing upon applying tensile strain, and large energy barriers for phase transitions.

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020

Routing valley exciton emission of a WS2 monolayer via in-plane inversion-symmetry broken PhC slabs

Scientists demonstrate efficient separation of valley exciton emission of a WS2 monolayer using two-dimensional all-dielectric PhC slabs without in-plane inversion symmetry. The delocalized Bloch modes play a critical role in separating and enhancing directional valley exciton emission.

Liquid metal synthesis for better piezoelectrics: Atomically-thin tin-monosulfide

A new study applies liquid-metal synthesis to create atomically-thin tin-monosulfide with excellent electronic and piezoelectric properties, enabling flexible nanogenerators for wearable electronics and biosensors. The resulting material displays high durability and flexibility, making it suitable for commercial implementation.

Breakthrough in research on production of 2D crystals with excellent optical properties

Researchers from the University of Warsaw developed a method to grow transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with excellent optical properties on atomically flat boron nitride substrates. The technique, using molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes previous limitations and allows for large-scale production of high-quality monolayers.

Columbia researchers develop new method to isolate atomic sheets and create new materials

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.

New self-assembled monolayer is resistant to air

Scientists at the University of Groningen have created a new self-assembled monolayer using buckyballs functionalized with ethylene glycol, which remains chemically unchanged for several weeks when exposed to air. This makes it easier to use in research and devices, and could lead to breakthroughs in molecular electronics.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 21, 2020

Lithuanian scientists' approach to perovskite solar cells -- cheaper production and high efficiency

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018

The limits of friction

A team of physicists from Konstanz and Italy successfully suppressed static friction between two surfaces using a colloidal monolayer. This allows for the use of extremely small forces to move objects, greatly improving efficiency in micro- and nanomechanical systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 29, 2018

'Sodium-scooter' delivers

Researchers developed a low-temperature reaction to replace sulfur with tellurium in MoS2, creating new properties in the 2D material. The 'sodium-scooter' catalyst enables conversion at 525°C, lower than previous temperatures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2018

Multitasking monolayers

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to produce patterned monolayers that can perform multiple functions, such as catalyzing chemical reactions and sensing molecules. These materials offer a new option for device designers, allowing for the creation of single materials with two functionalities.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 24, 2017

Scientists discover a 2-D magnet

Researchers have discovered intrinsic magnetism in isolated 2-D materials, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of more efficient and compact magnetic devices. The discovery was made using Scotch tape to exfoliate monolayers from larger crystals, revealing unique properties not seen in their 3-D forms.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2017

Novel light sources made of 2-D materials

Researchers have developed novel light sources using 2-D materials, which can be used to transfer information securely. The light sources emit photons in pairs, making them ideal for quantum communication. Additionally, the novel lasers exhibit self-sustaining properties, opening up new possibilities for studying quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2016

Sheets like graphene: Tailored chemistry links nanoparticles in stable monolayers

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.