Introducing Molybdenene: A Novel 2D Metallic Material with Broad Applications

Scientists have unveiled a distinctive 2D metallic substance known as “molybdenene,” which demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and potential for improving battery technology. Additionally, this material offers utility in the fields of atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy. All rights are attributed to Sahu, T.K., Kumar, N., Chahal, S. et al., as published in Nat. Nanotechnol. (2023), DOI (CC BY 4.0).

A new 2D metallic material, dubbed “molybdenene,” has been developed by researchers. This substance is unique because it comprises a single layer of atoms derived from the element molybdenum.

Comparable to renowned 2D materials like graphene, this new material possesses intriguing attributes such as superconductivity, incredible tensile strength, and novel quantum behaviors. A team of scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich, in partnership with academics from the Indian Institute of Technology in Patna and the University of Newcastle in Australia, have synthesized this extraordinary material, consisting of just a singular atomic layer of molybdenum atoms.

Comparative Analysis with Graphene

In their experiments, the researchers succeeded in crafting a single layer of molybdenum atoms, achieving a material as thin as graphene, the most celebrated 2D material thus far. Initially isolated in 2004, graphene is made up of carbon atoms and has garnered significant attention for its superior electrical and thermal conductivity, far surpassing that of copper. Additionally, graphene’s mechanical strength is nearly a hundred times greater than that of steel, yet it retains a high degree of flexibility. Its unique 2D structure grants it uncommon electromagnetic properties, making it a candidate for revolutionary developments in quantum technology.

Molybdenene’s Unique Characteristics

Although other 2D materials like phosphorene and germanene have also been introduced in recent years, molybdenene sets itself apart in certain respects. “Unlike many 2D materials that are heat-sensitive, molybdenene is thermally stable. Additionally, it’s the first 2D metallic material in which free-standing layers have been achieved,” elucidates Prof. Ilia Valov from the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-7) at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Synthesis and Potential Use Cases

The material was synthesized using a microwave-assisted process, wherein a mixture of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) and graphene was heated to approximately 3000 degrees Celsius. The microwave electric field facilitated a reaction that produced finely branched structures, colloquially known as “whiskers,” containing layers of molybdenene.

In preliminary tests, the researchers observed that molybdenene is mechanically robust and could serve as an effective coating for electrodes, thereby augmenting battery performance and durability. Due to its special 2D structure and metallic properties, the material is anticipated to exhibit other exotic electronic features, similar to graphene. Furthermore, molybdenene shows promise in accelerating chemical reactions, given its freely moving electrons.

Practical Applications and Joint Research Efforts

In a joint initiative with the Indian Institute of Technology in Patna and the University of Newcastle in Australia, the researchers have identified a tangible scientific application for molybdenene in the realm of atomic force microscopy and surface-enhanced RAMAN spectroscopy. Initial assessments indicate that due to its thin, planar shape and exceptional electrical and thermal properties, molybdenene could surpass existing materials in mitigating undesired interference signals.

Reference Information

The research article titled “Microwave synthesis of molybdenene from MoS2” was authored by Tumesh Kumar Sahu, Nishant Kumar, Sumit Chahal, Rajkumar Jana, Sumana Paul, Moumita Mukherjee, Amir H. Tavabi, Ayan Datta, Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski, Ilia Valov, Alpana Nayak, and Prashant Kumar. It was published on 4 September 2023 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01484-2

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More about Molybdenene

• Nature Nanotechnology Article – The original research article titled “Microwave synthesis of molybdenene from MoS2” published in Nature Nanotechnology.
• Forschungszentrum Jülich – Information about the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-7) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, where some of the research on molybdenene was conducted.
• Indian Institute of Technology Patna – The institution involved in collaborative research on molybdenene.
• University of Newcastle, Australia – Information about the Australian university that collaborated in the study of molybdenene.