B. Ozden
Penn State Abington,
United States
Keywords: 2D materials, defect engineering, proton irradiation
Summary:
The convergence of defect engineering and nanomaterial synthesis is revolutionizing material science, offering transformative solutions for quantum technologies and environmental sustainability. This presentation examines how the precise manipulation of material properties through advanced defect engineering and nanoscale fabrication unlocks novel functionalities across diverse applications. In the realm of quantum technologies, the strategic engineering of defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as MoS₂ and WS₂, using proton irradiation enables the creation of controlled vacancies, antisites, and adatoms. These defects are pivotal for the development of quantum devices, including single-photon emitters and spin qubits, with the potential to reshape paradigms in quantum computation and sensing. Advanced characterization techniques—such as aberration-corrected high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HR-STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence—combined with molecular dynamics simulations, provide deep insights into defect formation and their influence on electronic and optical properties. Simultaneously, innovative nanoscale architectures, such as graphene nanoscrolls and sustainable organic carbon quantum dots (CQDs), demonstrate exceptional promise in environmental applications. These materials offer scalable and efficient solutions for pressing global challenges, including water purification and the degradation of persistent pollutants like PFAS. By integrating state-of-the-art material design with advanced characterization methods, this work underscores the synergistic potential of defect engineering and nanotechnology. It paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in quantum science and scalable, sustainable approaches to environmental remediation, addressing some of the most critical challenges of our time.