Novel physics of two-dimensional materials and band structure engineering in van der Waals heterostructures

Layered materials such as graphene exhibit many intriguing properties that are distinct from three-dimensional materials. Moreover, their atomically flat surface makes it possible to form van der Waals heterostructures by stacking different 2D materials or stacking and rotating the same materials. The interlayer coupling is a useful pathway to control the electronic structure and physical properties of such heterostructures, resulting in new properties that are different from those of the pristine materials. Such band structure engineering based on van der Waals heterostructures can extend the boundaries of research and potential applications to new realms.