Research on graphene will soon enter into its second decade. The extraordinary properties of graphene have generated great excitement and promise for future technology. Despite all of its superlative properties, the utilization of graphene in applications such as sensors or transistors is yet to be widely realised due to the lack of a band gap in the material.

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A promising strategy toward overcoming this, is growing surface-confined structures with adjustable electronic bandgaps. Doping graphene or fabricating porous frameworks has the potential to overcome the zero band gap issue, paving the way to novel future applications.

 

The surface science approach, is typically based on bottom-up methods that capitalise on the unique catalytic and crystallographic properties of solid surfaces. 2D polymers formed through on-surface synthesis are fascinating targets for scientists due to their promising practical impact on science and technology. These alternative 2D materials could allow researchers to achieve functionality not currently available from graphene.

PhD Student: Maryam Abyazisani
Supervisors: Prof Nunzio Motta, Dr Jennifer MacLeod

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