Alkali doping of graphene and van der Waals heterostructures for 2D materials device engineering

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The goal of this project is to develop methods for the controlled doping of graphene and van der Waals heterostructures with alkali atoms. Graphene is the prototypical 2D material, consisting of an atomic sheet of carbon. Assemblies of different 2D materials, known as van der Waals heterostructures, are analogues of traditional compound semiconductor heterostructures that are at the core of laser diodes, high mobility transistors, and other devices that enable information and communication technologies. Unlike compound semiconductors, traditional methods of substitutional impurity atom doping to control charge density cannot be applied to control charge density in graphene and van and der Waals heterostructures. Doping by surface adsorption and intercalation with alkali atoms offers the possibility of controlled electron doping. The low electron affinity of alkali atoms leads to near unity ionization upon adsorption or intercalation. Frequently used in surface science experiments in ultra-high vacuum conditions, the goal of this work is to extend alkali doping to active electronic devices composed of graphene and van der Waals heterstructures in a glove box environment. This project is an international, transdisciplinary collaboration between nanoelectronics expert Prof. T. Szkopek (McGill University) and surface scientist Prof. A. Grüneis (University of Cologne), bringing together complementary expertise and infrastructure to advance the state-of-the-art in alkali doping of electronic devices based on 2D materials. Potential technological applications of this fundamental work range from thermoelectrics, to electronics, to chemical sensors. Expected benefits to Canada include the strengthening of hands-on training of highly qualified personnel by access to broader expertise and infrastructure through international collaboration and the development of applied knowledge at the forefront of 2D materials development. Both factors contribute to Canada's leadership in application development of 2D materials. Notably, intellectual property developed in Szkopek's laboratory has already led to Canadian commercialization of the first consumer electronics produce making use of graphene.