2D-PnictoChem · Chemistry and Interface Control of Novel 2D-Pnictogen Nanomaterials

2D-PnictoChem aims at exploring the Chemistry of a novel class of graphene-like 2D layeredelemental materials of group 15, the pnictogens: P, As, Sb, and Bi. In the last few years, these materialshave taken the field of Materials Science by storm since they can outperform and/or complement grapheneproperties. Their strongly layer-dependent unique properties range from semiconducting to metallic,including high carrier mobilities, tunable bandgaps, strong spin-orbit coupling or transparency. However,the Chemistry of pnictogens is still in its infancy, remaining largely unexplored. This is the niche that2D-PnictoChem aims to fill. By mastering the interface chemistry, we will develop the assembly of 2Dpnictogensin complex hybrid heterostructures for the first time. Success will rely on a cross-disciplinaryapproach combining both Inorganic- and Organic Chemistry with Solid-state Physics, including: 1)Synthetizing and exfoliating high quality ultra-thin layer pnictogens, providing reliable access down tothe monolayer limit. 2) Achieving their chemical functionalization via both non-covalent and covalentapproaches in order to tailor at will their properties, decipher reactivity patterns and enable controlleddoping avenues. 3) Developing hybrid architectures through a precise chemical control of the interface,in order to promote unprecedented access to novel heterostructures. 4) Exploring novel applicationsconcepts achieving outstanding performances. These are all priorities in the European Union agendaaimed at securing an affordable, clean energy future by developing more efficient hybrid systems forbatteries, electronic devices or applications in catalysis. The opportunity is unique to reduce Europe’sdependence on external technology and the PI’s background is ideally suited to tackle these objectives,counting as well on a multidisciplinary team of international collaborators.