Ion Beam Modification of 2-Dimensional Nanomaterials

The preponderance of surface atoms in 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials makes them particularly accessible for interaction with directed ion beams. When coupled with the wide range of experimentally accessible ion energies and species, we are afforded with a highly tailored 2D nanomaterial modification toolkit possible of achieving controlled surface functionalization, substitutional doping, and vacancy/defect concentration profiles. In this presentation we discuss recent work employing hyperthermal ions (5 – 250 eV) to both substitutionally dope graphene (N ions) and to strain few-layer graphene with defects (Ar ions). We will also share preliminary work using hyperthermal ions and focused He ion beams (Orion NanoFab) to spatially control the doping and defect levels in transition-metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorous. We will discuss insights spanning the entire ion beam processing cycle from sample preparation, to processing, to physical/chemical analysis of ion beam treated films. Finally, we will conclude by outlining the current challenges and future prospects of this emerging field.
References:
[1]J.T. Robinson, et al., ACS Nano 11, 4745 (2017).
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[3]A.L. Friedman, et al. Phys. Rev. B, 93 161409(R) (2016).