Facile topotactic conversion routes towards novel functional materials

The aim of the project is to capitalise on the recent development of a novel synthesis protocol for the fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) materials using topotactic conversion of oxides to transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs). A key advantage of the technique is that it relies on the fabrication of oxide thin films, which is a mature technology, so they could be routinely converted to large-area coatings of the TMCs on an arbitrary substrate of choice. The ultimate goal is to investigate several potential applications for the fabricated films. Firstly, in collaboration with Dr. Moran (School of Engineering), the aim is to develop nano- and micro-scale 2D and 3D patterning of the atomically thin TMD films in order to demonstrate: (a) that mesostructured 2D TMDs can enable the light absorption on the surface to achieve improved electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities and (b) to test fabrication of pre-patterned materials to induce pinning effect and prevent peeling of the film from a substrate under hydrogen evolution conditions. Under supervision Dr. Moran novel superconducting systems, field effect transistors (FETs) with improved on / off ratio and photoemission detectors will be developed as a second strand of the research.