A new study from The Australian National University (ANU) shows how the ability of 2D materials to convert sunlight into electricity can be controlled by simply “twisting” the angle between two ultra-thin layers correctly.

The new class of materials (2D) are 100,000 times thinner than a single sheet of paper and could be used in a huge range of technology, including solar cells, LED lights and sensing devices.

However, one material alone has limited applications, so they often come in a pair. Two different 2D materials are stacked together to move positive and negative charges in opposite directions, generating electricity.

Lead author of the report Mr Mike Tebyetekerwa says it opens up exciting opportunities.

“This study essentially provides a bit of a how-to guide for engineers,” Mr Tebyetekerwa said.

“We’re looking at 2D materials that have just two atom-thin layers stacked together.

“This unique structure and large surface area make them efficient at transferring and converting energy.”

Dr Hieu Nguyen and PhD candidate Mike Tebyetekerwa. Photo: Jack Fox/ANU

In 2019 Mr Tebyetekerwa and co-author Dr Hieu Nguyen demonstrated the maximum potential of 2D materials to generate electricity using sunlight.

“It’s an exciting new field. Simply twisting the two ultrathin layers can dramatically change the way they work,” Dr Nguyen said.

“The key is to carefully select the matching pair and stack them in a particular way.”

The study has been published in Cell Reports Physical Science.

Top image: Jack Fox/ANU

Contact the media team

Jess Fagan

Media Manager


You may also like

Article Card Image

American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists

What Australia does next with its science policy could change the trajectory of a generation of scientists.

Article Card Image

Redefining engineering: Dr Elizabeth Williams is shaping safer tech and industry practices for everyone

You may have heard the maxim ‘think outside the box’. But when it comes to engineering, Dr Elizabeth Williams wants to redefine the box by making technology with diverse people in mind.

Article Card Image

Meet Ana: advancing our knowledge of the Earth through cutting-edge technology

Dr Ana Casas Ramos is developing groundbreaking technologies to make mining more sustainable, but that wasn’t originally the plan.

Subscribe to ANU Reporter