Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as powerful platforms for exploring nanoscale phenomena across diverse fields, from condensed matter physics to energy conversion and biointerfaces. Despite decades of progress, challenges remain in achieving reliable synthesis, structural precision, and scalable control over their properties. This talk will highlight how promoter-confined chemical vapor deposition (CVD) addresses these issues and enables new opportunities in both fundamental research and practical applications.

 

We developed a synthesis strategy that controls precursor transport and reaction kinetics within confined reaction spaces. Systematic studies revealed how the interaction between precursors and reactor boundaries influences growth dynamics, crystallinity, and layer uniformity. The introduction of promoters further enhanced this process by improving precursor decomposition and stabilizing reaction conditions.

 

Building on these principles, we achieved the epitaxial growth of monolayer W₅N₆, a representative of non van der Waals 2D nitrides, using salt-based catalytic precursors and promoter assisted confinement on lattice matched sapphire. The resulting material exhibits unique electronic and structural properties. The outstanding mechanical performance opens up new routes toward 2D material integration into electronic circuits.

 

Finally, I will discuss how the precise control over 2D materials properties enabled by confined reactions are being leveraged in our ongoing work on atomically tailored electrocatalysts for sustainable energy research.