Monolayer 2D Material-Polymer Nanohybrid Crystals

Ultrathin and mechanically robust structures and devices with nanoscale dimension resolution are critical for miniaturized nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and integrated circuited (IC). It is extremely challenging to achieve such structures from hybrid inorganic-organic systems because the lack of controllability of depositing/assembly organic structures. The attainment of precise fabrication control and comprehension of atomic-level interactions stands as the principal objectives of this research. Here, we propose the utilization of monolayer two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and MoSe2, synthesized through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), as 2D atomic templates to induce the epitaxial assembly of orthorhombic polyethylene (PE) crystals. By meticulously regulating the assembly temperature and time, the growth of PE lamellar crystals can be modulated, ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers with an accuracy of sub-nanometer resolution. Adding PE will not only increase the mechanical robustness of 2D materials in fabricating the suspended structures, but also create a dielectric layer with controlled thickness to realize ultrathin device fabrication. The incorporation of polymer nanocrystals, monolayer graphene, and MoSe2 yields a pioneering category of hybrid nanostructures, wherein the crystalline architectures of both constituents are highly controlled, thereby potentially reshaping the paradigm for manufacturing superior materials and devices with precisely engineered structures and properties.