Locally Strained 2D Materials: Preparation, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials are promising for strain engineering due to their atomic thickness and exceptional mechanical properties. In particular, non‐uniform and localized strain can be induced in 2D materials by generating out‐of‐plane deformations, resulting in novel phenomena and properties as witnessed in recent years. Therefore, the locally strained 2D materials are of great value for both fundamental studies and practical applications. This review discusses techniques for introducing local strains to 2D materials and their feasibility, advantages, and challenges. We then explore the unique effects and properties that arise from local strain. The representative applications based on locally strained 2D materials are illustrated, including memristor, single photon emitter, photodetector, etc. Finally, we provide concluding remarks on the challenges and opportunities in the emerging field of locally strained 2D materials.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Strain and defect-engineering on the basal plane of ultra-large MoS2 monolayers attached onto stretchable gold electrodes

“…As previously stated, MoS 2 can react with oxygen under ambient conditions, 80 in addition, wrinkles and strained regions present higher chemical reactivity. 31 After stretching the samples, new edge sites and wrinkled regions are formed (Fig. 4a) which may favor the formation of additional active sites in MoS 2 during electrochemical cycling.…”

“…Strain engineering is another remarkable way to modulate some properties of the basal plane of MoS 2 , such as the band gap 29 and electrocatalytic activity. 30,31 There are many ways to adjust the strain in MoS 2 on flexible or rigid substrates. 3,32 By transferring MoS 2 onto microfabricated pillars 33 or domes 34 on rigid substrates one can tune the strain of the ultrathin layered material.…”

Research Progress of Single-Photon Emitters Based on Two-Dimensional Materials

“…These characteristics have garnered significant interest in the fields of photonics and valleytronics. Currently, the localization of exciton wavefunctions in TMDs reveals their capability for single-photon emission [ 40 ], while the rich excitonic properties of these materials also manifest in diverse and intriguing photophysical properties in SPEs. Additionally, the Moiré superlattice structure in TMDs facilitates the further localization of excitons, enhancing their prominence in the field of quantum optics.…”

“…It is noteworthy that the defect engineering of many SPEs often requires a clean environment to prevent the deactivation of defects due to oxidation or the adsorption of other particles. Lastly, SPEs can also be deterministically generated on samples through strain engineering [ 40 , 80 ]. Additionally, one of the benefits of strain engineering is the ability to adjust the emission characteristics of the SPEs, while ensuring their deterministic production [ 81 ].…”