2D heterostructures for future quantum electronics

Overview

The traditional approach to the miniaturisation of electronic devices is coming to a halt. Experts agree that Moore's law prediction of doubling the number of transistors per chip every two years will cease to be fulfilled in 2020, as the heat produced in small structures cannot be cooled down quickly enough. However, by reducing the size of the device, the quantum nature of atoms and solids can become an asset. By exploiting phenomena occurring at these scales, electrons can travel without scattering, minimising heat due to the Joule effect and drastically reducing power consumption. 2D material heterostructures represent an elegant approach to designing and synthesising few layers, obtaining the desired properties by combining these stacked layers in a particular order. This materials-by-design approach creates unprecedented opportunities to modulate or create electronic functions for future devices that operate faster, are more energy efficient, and are multifunctional. This project aims to create, understand, and engineer novel 2D vertical heterostructures. We will then explore their electronic and optoelectronic properties, as well as modulate such properties through interface engineering approaches. This project is attached to ARC Funded Discovery Project (2D Multiferroics: From Materials Design to Device Conceptualization).

Research engagement

Literature review, lab-based work

Research activities

The specific activities will be tailored to your study level and availability. You will work in an exciting, well-established, and highly collaborative research group environment, using the most advanced instrumentation available at CARF and your supervisor's lab, providing an effective and rich learning experience. You will also benefit from an outstanding collaboration network that includes QUT researchers, international scientists, and the principal supervisor, Dr. Dongchen Qi, who is an ARC Future Fellow and an expert in surface science and nanoscience. Some of the research activities will include: studying the synthesis of novel 2D heterostructures using both bottom-up and top-down approaches, examining atomic and electronic structures through a combination of materials characterisation techniques, including synchrotron radiation, and device fabrication and characterisation.

Research skills

The outcomes of the project include developing knowledge and skills in:surface sciencesurface analysisdevice fabrication and characterisation.

Outcomes

The outcome of this project will advance the scientific field through perfect control of the growth of these heterostructures, exploitation of new quantum and topological effects. These discoveries are capable of revolutionising the electronic industry.

Skills and experience

To be considered for this project, you must have strong motivation and interest in physics or a related discipline.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

21 February, 2027

Location

GP-M220

Keywords

• Nanotechnology
• Quantum technology
• Electronic devices
• 2D materials

Contact

Dongchen Qi

0731386842

dongchen.qi@qut.edu.au