Our research advances the science and engineering of epitaxy to translate the exceptional properties of emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials into practical technologies. We work across a broad materials palette—chalcogenides, carbides, nitrides, borophene, perovskites, oxides, and graphene—developing the predictive understanding and synthetic control needed to realize their promise.
Three core contributions distinguish our work:
Novel theories of epitaxial growth mechanisms that clarify how 2D layers nucleate, align, and integrate with substrates and other materials (Nature Materials 2020, 2022; Matter 2023; Science 2025).
Advances in the mechanics of 2D systems that reveal how structure, deformation, and interfacial interactions determine performance (Nature Electronics 2021, 2025; Nature Nanotechnology 2022, 2023).
Discovery and development of a new class of 2D p-type semiconductors, expanding the electronic functionality available in atomically thin devices.
Together, these contributions enable systematic exploration of previously inaccessible structure–property–function relationships, a necessary foundation for engineering new devices and systems. We also apply this expertise to assemble mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures—integrated stacks and composites that combine 2D sheets with other dimensionalities. Such heterostructures open pathways to diverse applications, including electrochemical capacitors, catalysis and reactor/separation technologies, targeted drug delivery, electronic skin sensors, and advanced composite materials..
