Supramolecular engineering of multifunctional systems and devices: the molecular approach to 2d materials
SUPRA2DMAT is a multidisciplinary project aimed at exploiting materials engineering, by mastering supramolecular approaches, to combine the outstanding physico-chemical properties of graphene and other 2D layered materials (2DLMs) with the chemical and functional programmability of molecular components, with the ultimate goal of modulating and enhancing the properties of 2DLMs and imparting them a responsive nature. The monolayer nature of 2DLMs makes them extremely sensitive to environmental changes at the nanoscale. Controlled processing and interfacing of 2DLMs with functional molecular assemblies will be attained by means of non-covalent and (dynamic) covalent chemistry approaches. The physisorption of redox, magnetic or optical switches to create crystalline superlattices on 2DLMs will enable the fabrication of high-performance electrical devices capable to simultaneously respond to at least two external independent stimuli. Structurally precise hairy 2D and 3D layer-by-layer porous composites for multianalyte chemical sensing will be tailored via chemisorption of supramolecular receptors of the target analyte onto the 2DLMs. Highest sensitivity and selectivity in the sensing of water molecules (humidity) as well as heavy or alkali metal ions through an electrical readout will be guaranteed by the choice of the receptor and 2DLM and their nanostructuration.
The knowledge developed in SUPRA2DMAT will lead to the emergence of a conceptually new generation of multifunctional high-performance devices for applications in optoelectronics and chemical sensing, and on the long term also in energy and spintronics. SUPRA2DMAT will also bring a useful contribution to the development of future emerging technologies based on 2DLMs for light-weight, low-cost and large-area applications products on flexible substrates, e.g. for nanoscale multifunctional logic technologies and environmental monitoring, thus opening new and important perspectives in materials and nanosciences.