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.
Our research establishes a chemical engineering foundation for future 2D semiconductors by systematically uncovering structure–property–function relationships that were previously inaccessible. This approach enables the rational design of semiconductor materials, interfaces, and process strategies for next-generation devices and scalable manufacturing. We further extend this framework to mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures, integrating 2D semiconductors with materials of other dimensionalities to achieve new levels of control over interfacial chemistry, transport, and functional integration. These hybrid platforms create opportunities for advanced semiconductor technologies such as low-power electronics, sensing, and heterogeneous integration, while also informing broader applications in electrochemical systems, catalysis, reactor and separation engineering, drug delivery, electronic skin, and advanced composites.
