Metal layers just a few angstroms thick display unusual electronic properties
By 
Jamie Durrani2025-03-19T09:30:00
2D metals created for first time by pressing samples between two sapphire anvils
A new way to make ultra-thin layers of metals makes it possible for scientists to study a new and unusual class of 2D materials. Researchers in China used the technique to make layers of five different metals that were only a few angstroms thick, uncovering exotic physical properties.
Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in 2D materials. These single-layered structures, like the ‘wonder material’ graphene, tend to display unusual electronic properties, making them highly sought after for a range of different applications.