High yield production of phase-pure mono- or few-layer two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets of graphene like materials by electrochemical exfoliation

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Two dimensional (2D) nanosheets of graphene-like materials have attracted great attention in diverse fields including photonics, electronics, optoelectronics, magnetism, energy generation and storage, catalysis, environment remediation, and bio-application, to name but a few. However, producing these 2D nanosheets with high purity and defined structure is extremely challenging. This proposed two-year project aims to develop a sustainable, innovative, scalable, reliable, and high-yield strategy for producing phase-pure mono- or few-layer 2D nanosheets of graphene-like materials. The typical procedure will involve an electrochemical intercalation of large cations into the interlayer spaces of layered materials, followed by a mild exfoliation process. Large numbers of atomically thin nanosheets will be prepared by this strategy, including but not limited to graphene, borophene, phosphorene, silicene, germanene, hexagonal boron nitride, transition metal dichalcogenides, graphitic carbon nitride, metal carbides and nitrides. The highly qualified personnel (postdoc, graduate students, summer undergraduates) will be trained in this research area of strategic importance to Alberta and Canada through this proposed project.