Researchers have invented a new method — using ultraflat gold films — to disassemble vdW single crystals layer by layer into monolayers with near-unity yield and with dimensions limited only by bulk crystal sizes. The monolayers have the same high quality as those created by conventional ‘Scotch tape’ exfoliation, but are roughly a million times larger. They can be assembled into macroscopic artificial structures, with properties not easily created in conventionally grown bulk crystals.

Original source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200220141717.htm