Two Dimensional (2D) Nanomembranes: Can They Outperform Lower Dimension Nanocrystals?

Abstract

Inorganic nanomembranes, analogues to graphene, are expected to impact a wide range of device concepts including thin film- or flexible platforms. Size dependent properties and high surface area, two key characteristics of zero- (0D) and one-dimension (1D) nanocrystals, are still present in most nanomembranes rendering their use more probable in practical applications. These advantages make them strong contenders for outpacing 0D- and 1D-nanocrystals that are often difficult to integrate into commercial device technologies. This perspective highlights an important progress by Wang et al. in large scale fabrication of free-standing nanomembranes using a solution-based technique. Its simplicity and elimination of typical delamination processes used in top-down nanomembrane fabrications are among the strengths of this technique. Areas for improvement along with an overview of other related work are also discussed.