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In this presentation, I will mainly focus on the functionalization of graphite, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides using molecules, though the concepts can be applied to other 2D materials too. Nanostructuring is at the heart of all functionalization protocols that we develop because it opens new possibilities for control and functionality. A variety of scanning probe microscopy methods are used for visualization, characterization, and manipulation. The first approach is based on molecular self-assembly at the interface between a liquid or air, and graphite or graphene. A second approach is based on the covalent attachment of molecules on 2D materials via covalent chemistry. It will be demonstrated how in addition to bottom-up strategies that provide control on the density and layer thickness, as well as submicron to nanoscale nanostructuring, also top-down scanning probe microscopy and optical lithography can be used to structure such covalently modified surfaces. A third approach does not focus on the functionalization of the surface, but uses the surface as a support for the in-plane covalent stitching of molecules, leading to the formation of on-surface 2D dynamic covalent polymers.

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Prof. Steven de Feyter, KU Leuven, Belgium
Exp. Sem. 1, Chemistry Department
Contact: Hanna Krikcziokat