A new twist on 2D materials may lead to improved electronic, optical devices

A new generation of electronics and optoelectronics may soon be possible by controlling twist angles in a particular type of bilayer 2D material used in these devices, strengthening the intrinsic electric charge that exists between the two layers. Researchers from Penn State, Harvard University, MIT, and Rutgers University have worked with 2D materials called regular transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and Janus TMDs. In the case of Janus TMDs, the atoms on each side of these materials are different, leading to varied charge transfer when each side is in contact with other 2D materials.