We are interested in exploring the rational design of materials and functionality at the atomic level to develop next-generation electronics, photonics, and catalysts with performance far beyond what can be achieved now. Our focus is on atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials, in particular, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) like MoS₂, WS₂, MoSe₂, WSe₂, and h-BN.

In this talk, I will present our recent results in the synthesis of wafer-scale high-quality 2D TMDC materials with precisely controlled physical features. We may also perfectly transfer the synthesized wafer-scale films onto any arbitrary substrates without compromising the quality and surface smoothness. With the unique synthetic and transfer capabilities, we have systematically studied the electronic, optical, and catalytic properties of 2D TMDC materials, and developed a variety of novel devices.