DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION OF 2D MATERIALS: NANODEVICES AND IN-SITU NANOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are inherently soft and can undergo morphological changes, such as from nanosheets to one-dimensional (1D) nanoscrolls at certain conditions. This thesis is focused on the investigation of nanoscrolls formed at different circumstances: (i) by means of chemical functionalization to obtain 2D electrolytes, and (ii) by rolling up mechanically exfoliated graphene nanosheets to form high-quality graphene nanoscrolls. We present a theoretical approach sustained by research experiments to reveal how 2D electrolytes are formed and behave under different environmental conditions. We demonstrate that a thermal annealing procedure improved the mechanical and electrical properties of such nanoscrolls. Ultimately, we investigate the electromechanical properties of high-quality graphene nanoscrolls. Our results contribute to the development of adaptive and flexible materials responsive on demand in smart applications and demonstrate that nanoscrolls can be used as active materials in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) to produce devices with increased sensitivity at the atomic level.

Author dc:creator

• MARIANA CALDEIRA FERRAZ DA COSTA

• 2D materials, functionalization, nanoscrolls, nanodevices, electrical properties, mechanical properties