Monolayeri

Monolayeri refers to a class of two-dimensional crystalline materials that exist as a single atomic or molecular layer in thickness. The term encompasses elemental, compound, and doped variants and is used to describe materials with similar dimensional constraints rather than a single fixed composition. In practice, monolayeri are studied for their potential to combine mechanical flexibility with tunable electronic and chemical properties.

Structure and composition: Monolayeri can comprise elements arranged in lattices such as hexagonal or other motifs, or compounds like transition metal chalcogenides and oxides. They may present various surface terminations and defect chemistries. Typical thickness ranges from sub-nanometer to about one nanometer, with lattice constants in the sub-nanometer scale. Their properties depend strongly on chemical makeup, layer stacking, and external strain.

Properties: The one-layer thickness yields high surface area and pronounced in-plane stiffness, along with anisotropic transport properties. Electronic behavior spans metallic to semiconducting, with band gaps and carrier mobility tunable via composition, strain, and functionalization. Optical responses are enhanced by confinement and excitonic effects. Sensitivity to environmental conditions is common, motivating protective coatings for certain applications.

Synthesis and stability: Monolayeri can be produced by chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, or mechanical/chemical exfoliation from layered precursors. Stability under ambient conditions varies; many monolayeri require encapsulation or passivation to prevent oxidation and degradation.

Applications: Anticipated uses include nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage, where their large surface area and thickness-dependent properties may offer advantages over bulk materials. Ongoing research seeks to map structure–property relationships and scalable synthesis routes for monolayeri. See also: graphene, phosphorene, transition metal dichalcogenide.