Twisted 2D-Materials: CrSBr

Details

Supervisors

Gehring, Pascal

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master de spécialisation en nanotechnologies

Abstract

This dissertation explores the properties, theoretical calculations, fabrication techniques, and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) materials, with a particular focus on CrSBr (chromium sulfide bromide) and its twisted heterostructures. The research is motivated by the growing interest in 2D materials for their unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications in nanotechnology and materials science. The first section provides an extensive introduction to 2D materials, tracing their history and highlighting the significance of CrSBr, a lesser-known yet promising member of this class. Including an introduction to twisted heterostructures, which have emergence of novel phenomena such as Moiré superlattices. The second section presents theoretical calculations aimed at evaluating the refractive index of CrSBr using first-principles methods, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT). These calculations provide insights into the electronic and optical properties of CrSBr, which are critical for potential applications in optoelectronics and spintronics. The third section details the fabrication techniques used to produce high-quality monolayers and twisted heterostructures of CrSBr. Followed by the characterization of these fabricated materials in the fourth section. The Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) method is described, followed by its application to both twisted bilayer graphene and twisted CrSBr. The work concludes by summarizing the findings and discussing the implications for future research.