The intellectual focus of IRG2 centers on the fundamental materials chemistry and physics enabled by precise, rational and controllable molecular alteration of solid surfaces and 2D arrays. Our long-term goal is to create a new class of chemically reconfigurable quantum materials using a multidisciplinary approach that leverages the considerable power and precision of synthetic organic and coordination chemistry.
Fundamental Challenges: Many of the most-well studied 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), have band structures that are inherently defined by their precise composition, and they cannot be modified at will. We seek to generate new 2D and other hierarchical materials, where chemical modification can directly alter band structure and electronic properties in a controllable and predictable manner.
