IQTC Seminar: Alicia Forment
Functionalization and Nanoscale Interrogation of Two Dimensional Materials
Tuesday 27th May 2025, 12:00h
Two-dimensional materials (2Dms) are a family of nanomaterials composed of ultrathin layers only a few atoms thick. They exhibit unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to electron confinement in two dimensions and their exceptionally high surface area. The development of new functionalities in 2Dms can be achieved through chemical modification with various molecules. To this end, we have been working on the functionalization of 2D transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) using molecular systems such as Prussian blue analogues, polyoxometalates, and spin-crossover compounds. [1-3] These modifications have enabled the introduction of additional functionalities, enhancing the suitability of these nanomaterials for energy and optoelectronic applications. More recently, we have explored innovative strategies for asymmetric functionalization of 2Dms, leading to the creation of Janus 2Dms, which possess distinct chemical properties on their opposite faces.[4]
Characterizing functionalized 2D materials is challenging due to the limited sensitivity and spatial resolution of spectroscopic methods such as Raman, IR, and XPS, which also provide limited insight into coating uniformity. In contrast, Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) offers nanoscale resolution and can probe not only topography but also mechanical and chemical surface properties. Our work demonstrates that SPM adhesion mapping effectively distinguishes between bare and functionalized 2D materials, underscoring its value as a simple yet powerful tool for surface chemical analysis. However, probing the asymmetric functionalization of Janus 2D materials remains challenging with SPM, and alternative strategies, such as the combination of different electron microscopies, may provide solutions to this issue. [4]
Referencias
[1] M. Morant-Giner, R. Sanchis-Gual, J. Romero, A. Alberola, L. García-Cruz, S. Agouram, M. Galbiati, N. M. Padial, J. C. Waerenborgh, C. Martí-Gastaldo, S. Tatay, A. Forment-Aliaga, E. Coronado, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2018, 28, 1706125.
[2] M. Guillen-Soler, N. V. Vassilyeva, E. P. Quirós-Díez, J. M. Vila-Fungueiriño, A. Forment-Aliaga, M. del C. Gimenez-Lopez, Adv. Sustain. Syst. 2023, 8, 2300607
[3] R. Torres-Cavanillas, M. Morant-Giner, G. Escorcia-Ariza, J. Dugay, J. Canet-Ferrer, S. Tatay, S. Cardona-Serra, M. Giménez-Marqués, M. Galbiati, A. Forment-Aliaga, E. Coronado, Nat Chem 2021, 13, 1101-1110.
[4] N. V. Vassilyeva, A. Forment-Aliaga, E. Coronado, Small 2024, 2406599.
[5] I. Brotons-Alcázar, Jason. S. Terreblanche, S. Giménez-Santamarina, G. M. Gutiérrez-Finol, K. S. Ryder, A. Forment-Aliaga, E. Coronado, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2024, 16, 19711-19719.
Zoom: https://ub-edu.zoom.us/j/92127603271?pwd=smJPCpSKHbZ6gfaFeMQETCHmFXVhpz.1
Meeting ID: 921 2760 3271
Access Code: 08028