Overarching goals:

Our research explores novel materials and processing strategies for next-generation 2D electronics, energy harvesting, and energy storage. By integrating reaction chemistry, diffusion kinetics, deposition thermodynamics, and scalable processing, we bridge organic and inorganic nanomaterials to achieve well-defined conformations, morphologies, compositions, and electronic properties. This interdisciplinary approach not only advances fundamental understanding but also enables the development of hybrid materials with unprecedented functionalities, paving the way for breakthroughs in electronic devices, efficient energy harvesting, and high-performance storage technologies.

1. Leading the Edge: Wafer-scale Epitaxy of Single-crystal, non-Silicon Monolayer Semiconducting Materials with Ultrahigh Mobility

The pursuit of next-generation electronics centers on the identification of viable alternatives to traditional silicon-based materials, prioritizing synthetic scalability, compatibility with existing industrial processes, optimal crystallinity, and, crucially, ultra-high mobility. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) & Metal-Organic CVD (MOCVD) serve as vital techniques for synthesizing materials by precisely arranging dissimilar atoms into functional molecules. This process facilitates the establishment of a perfect, periodic lattice structure that extends uniformly across the entire substrates, ensuring wafer-scale consistencies in both quality and electronic properties comparable to those achieved through mechanical exfoliation.

Current research initiatives focus on several key areas: (a) lattice orientations; (b) heterogeneous junctions; (c) doping strategies; (d) metal contact optimization; and (e) integrated device architectures. These advancements are driving applications in various fields, including but not limited to the Internet of Things (IoT), flexible electronics, and the development of next-generation semiconductor devices.

Collaboration:

Prof. Jeehwan Kim and Prof. Jing Kong at MIT;

Prof. Lance Li at NUS;

Prof. Kosuke Nagashio at UTokyo

Prof. Deep Jariwalla at UPenn;

Prof. Sang-Hoon Bae at the University of Washington, St. Loius;

Prof. Wen-Hao Chang at NCTU, Taiwan;

Prof. Yi-Chia Chou at NTU, Taiwan;

TSMC

2. Macro-scale Printing of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Metamaterials with Control of Hierarchy at Nanoscale

The deployment of dimensional transitions is a prevalent phenomenon in nature, exemplified by the mechanics of the Venus flytrap, the sound modulation in beating hearts shaped by vocal folds, and the adaptive focal length adjustments made by the human eye. These dimensional transitions occur in response to external stimuli, such as chemical or mechanical cues from the environment, resulting in material deformation. Such transformations yield new functionalities that are unattainable in their original states.

Our research investigates nature-inspired synthetic strategies to systematically analyze self-assembling behaviors, underlying mechanisms, and their associated material properties. This work aims to facilitate the integration of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides into three-dimensional hierarchical metamaterials through microscopic and macroscopic deposition techniques.

The potential applications of this research are extensive, encompassing structural reinforcement, energy storage, electrochemical catalysis, responsive smart materials, and advanced sensors. The insights gained from these studies not only deepen our understanding of materials science but also pave the way for innovative solutions across various technological domains.

Collaboration:

Prof. Jing Kong at MIT;

Prof. Richard Kaner at UCLA;

Prof. Han-Yi Chen at National Tsing Hua University;