Why in the News?
A team of researchers from top Chinese scientific institutions has reported a major breakthrough in the creation of atomically thin 2D metal sheets using a novel high-pressure sandwich method.
About the 2D Metal Created:
- Definition: 2D metals are only one or two atoms thick, so electrons can move in just two dimensions.
- Quantum Confinement: Electrons in 2D metals are restricted to specific energy levels, similar to how they behave in atoms.
- Scientific Interest: Metals like bismuth, tin, and lead in 2D form are being studied for their electrical, magnetic, and quantum properties.
- Applications: Their special properties make them useful for quantum computing, sensors, and advanced electronics.
Technologies Involved:
- Quantum Dots: These are tiny semiconductors where electrons are tightly confined, creating quantised energy states.
- Quantum Confinement: In quantum dots, electrons can’t move freely in any direction, leading to discrete energy levels.
- Link to 2D Metals: In 2D metals, electrons are confined in two dimensions, changing conductivity, magnetism, and optical behaviour.
- Process: Chinese scientists created 2D metals by sandwiching metal powder between two MoS₂-coated sapphire layers.
- Steps involved: The structure is heated, twisted, and pressed to form ultra-thin sheets, then cooled and peeled off.
- Material Choice: MoS₂ and sapphire were chosen for their strength, smoothness, and low chemical reaction with metal.
Note:Quantum confinement occurs when a particle like an electron is trapped in an extremely small space, such as a nanoscale material. This restriction changes its energy levels, making them discrete instead of continuous. As a result, the material’s properties—like color and conductivity—can change with size. |
| [UPSC 2012] Graphene is frequently in the news recently. What is its importance?
1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity. 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far. 3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency. 4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs. Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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