Using materials conceived at the atomic scale is part of the innovations that the future holds for us
It is often said that the atom It is the fundamental unit of matter, being also responsible for explaining phenomena such as static electricity or magnetization, the latter serving to clarify how magnets work. If we could reduce our scale to the size of an atom, it would surely be easier for us to understand technologies like the one we will present to you then devised in Japan.
The importance of nanoscrolls in the next technological era
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have published an article in the journal ACS Nano in which they show the world the technology that allows creating what they have called nanoscrollswhich are nothing more than structures roll-shaped from sheets of atoms.
The research has used what are known as Janus nanosheets, where they have replaced the atoms of one of its faces for a inorganic compound known as molybdenum diselenide. This process has been carried out through a treatment of plasma and with this it has been achieved create asymmetry on the sheet.
The first paper in 2024
Our paper “Nanoscrolls of Janus Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides” is out in @acsnano. Janus 2D sheets are spontaneously rolled into 1D scrolls.
Congratulations, Masa and Wenjin!! We greatly thank all the collaborators.— NanoScience in TMU／東京都立大学ナノ物性研究室 (@nano_tmu) January 18, 2024
From this asymmetry, and with the solvent additionthe nanosheets rolled up forming nanoscrolls. This method It differs from other previous ones not only in its greater simplicity, but also in the unprecedented control of atomic structure.
These nanoscrolls they can reach measure around the 10 microns in length, being ideal for interacting with polarized light and with characteristics such as hydrogen production.
Nanoscrolls of Janus Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides | ACS Nano https://t.co/nTSEJ3aH5m
— ナノの世界へ (JAIST大島) (@towardnanoworld) January 19, 2024
The advance made by scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University will help us understand new applications of nanomaterials known as TMDCacronym for Monolayers of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, both in catalysis like in photovoltaic devices.
We repeat and emphasize the importance of this method being able to control atomic structure of the nanoscrolls, since this advantage is essential to be able create materials that take advantage of their benefitsas well as devise devices that make us take the leap to next technological erawhere atoms will be controlled much more easily by humans.