Last week, the complete nation erupted in cheers witnessing the magic of Lee Kang-in’s goal through the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ match against Bahrain. Meanwhile, a collaborative research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) stirred excitement in the tutorial community. The researchers fabricated a soccer ball-shaped construction using edge-to-edge assembly of 2D semiconductor materials.
The research team, led by Professor In Su Lee and PhD candidate Sun Woo Jang from the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH, together with Professor Kwangjin An from the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, successfully controlled the interaction between the sides of 2D-silica nanosheets (2D-SiNS) to create a soccer ball-like structure. This research has been featured on the quilt of the web edition of the chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie.
The planar structure of 2D nanosheets exhibit unique mechanical and optical properties, making them versatile in semiconductor devices, catalysts, sensors, and plenty of other sectors. The strong attraction of intermolecular forces (van der Waals) between sheets typically ends in a structure where faces are in direct contact, compromising mechanical stability for catalytic functionality.
Within the study, the research team developed an edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D-SiNS. Within the case of 2D-SiNS, charge distribution varies based on surface curvature or structural characteristics, and typically, the sting region is sensitive to differences in charge distribution. The research team leveraged this property to induce interactions between the sides of 2D-SiNS. Unlike traditional face-to-face assembly, this method focuses on the assembly of edges.
This breakthrough allowed the researchers to assemble 2D-SiNS into hole soccer ball-shaped structures, demonstrating exceptional mechanical stability and sturdiness even under difficult conditions, including high temperatures and various solvents. Furthermore, this structure prevented unintentional aggregation of nanostructures and inhibited the formation of coke, which impedes catalytic activity.
Such structural characteristics significantly increased the assembled 2D-SiNS surface area, improving the efficiency of catalytic reactions and facilitating the graceful movement of reactants. Importantly, when subjected to continuous reactions at high temperatures, it demonstrated outstanding catalytic activity and sturdiness in producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide from methane and carbon dioxide.
The lead researcher of the study, Professor In Su Lee, expressed his excitement, explaining, “I’m delighted not only concerning the enhanced understanding of nano-scale material assembly but in addition about our paving the way in which for the event of stable and functional 2D nanomaterials.”
The research was conducted with the support from the Research Leader Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea.
