Jun Lou1
Rice University1
<br/>Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as Graphene, h-BN and MoS<sub>2</sub>, are promising candidates in a number of advanced functional and structural applications, owing to their exceptional electrical, optical, electrochemical and mechanical properties. Scalable growth of high quality 2D materials is crucial for their adoption in technological applications the same way the arrival of high-quality silicon single crystals was to the semiconductor industry. While CVD growth of wafer-scale monolayer graphene and TMDs has been demonstrated, considerable challenges still remain. In this talk, we first demonstrate the importance of real-time monitoring 2D crystal growth morphology as an underpinning for understanding, diagnosing and controlling the CVD process and environment for 2D material growth [1]. Using a micro-CVD setup facilitated by machine learning algorithms, the mapping of MoS<sub>2 </sub>crystal shapes in the growth parameter space “encodes” a wealth of information, the deciphering of which led to better understanding of the fundamental CVD growth mechanism of 2D TMDs.<br/> <br/>Next, we show that high quality ultrathin h-BN films are impervious to oxygen diffusion even at high temperatures and can serve as high-performance oxidation resistant coatings for nickel up to 1100<sup>o</sup>C in oxidizing atmospheres. The corrosion passivation performance in Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> solution of bare and h-BN coated copper indicates that such h-BN films could effectively suppress the anodic dissolution of copper. Inspired by these successes, we demonstrate the.<br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/>[1] J. Zhang, F. Wang, V. Shenoy, M. Tang, J. Lou, <i>Towards Controlled Synthesis of 2D Crystals by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)</i>, Materials Today, Vol. 40, 132-139, 2020.<br/>[2] K. Zuo, W. Wang, A. Deshmukh, S. Jia, H. Guo, R. Xin, M. Elimelech, P.M. Ajayan, J. Lou, Q. Li, <i>Multifunctional Nanocoated Membranes for High-rate Electrothermal Desalination of Hypersaline Waters</i>, Nature Nanotechnology, Vol. 15, 1025-1032, 2020.