Researchers target 3d heterostructures for new class of materials

A research proposal from the Universities of Manchester, Cambridge and Lancaster, has been awarded €13.4million by the European Research Council (ERC) to form a 'Synergy Group'. This group aims to engineer new types of materials which, despite being just a few atoms thick, have the power to revolutionise the development of devices such as solar cells and flexible and transparent electronics. Starting with one atom thick substances, the group will focus on how to layer then to form 'heterostructures'. Only a few atoms thick, these structures will combine the properties of their constituent materials, enabling developers to embed the functions of a device into its fabric. As an example, the research team envisages combining an atomic layer which functions as a sensor, with layers that function variously as an amplifier, transistor, or solar cell, for power generation. The resulting material would be capable of running a whole circuit. Manchester's Professor Kostya Novosleov said: "We bet on the high risk idea that by combining the properties of several one atom thick materials into a 3d heterostructure, we would create a new class of materials with predetermined properties and multiple functionalities. "You might think that building materials layer by layer is science fiction, but if we succeed, this new combination of known materials ... will offer an amazing range of applications and devices." Cambridge Professor Andrea Ferrari added: "The combined expertise in physics, engineering and theoretical modelling combing from the synergy of our three groups and institutions will be key to achieving our objectives."