In the 'Beyond Moore's Law' era, with increasing edge intelligence, domain-specific computing embracing unconventional approaches will become increasingly prevalent. At the same time, adopting a variety of nanotechnologies will offer benefits in energy cost, computational speed, reduced footprint, cyber resilience, and processing power. The time is ripe for a roadmap for unconventional computing with nanotechnologies to guide future research, and this collection aims to fill that need. The authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for neuromorphic computing using electron spins, memristive devices, two-dimensional nanomaterials, nanomagnets, and various dynamical systems. They also address other paradigms such as Ising machines, Bayesian inference engines, probabilistic computing with p-bits, processing in memory, quantum memories and algorithms, computing with skyrmions and spin waves, and brain-inspired computing for incremental learning and problem-solving in severely resource-constrained environments. These approaches have advantages over traditional Boolean computing based on von Neumann architecture. As the computational requirements for artificial intelligence grow 50 times faster than Moore's Law for electronics, more unconventional approaches to computing and signal processing will appear on the horizon, and this roadmap will help identify future needs and challenges. In a very fertile field, experts in the field aim to present some of the dominant and most promising technologies for unconventional computing that will be around for some time to come. Within a holistic approach, the goal is to provide pathways for solidifying the field and guiding future impactful discoveries.
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ISSN: 2399-1984
Nano Futures is a multidisciplinary, high-impact journal publishing fundamental and applied research at the forefront of nanoscience and technological innovation.
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Giovanni Finocchio et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
F Battistel et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 032003
Quantum computing is poised to solve practically useful problems which are computationally intractable for classical supercomputers. However, the current generation of quantum computers are limited by errors that may only partially be mitigated by developing higher-quality qubits. Quantum error correction (QEC) will thus be necessary to ensure fault tolerance. QEC protects the logical information by cyclically measuring syndrome information about the errors. An essential part of QEC is the decoder, which uses the syndrome to compute the likely effect of the errors on the logical degrees of freedom and provide a tentative correction. The decoder must be accurate, fast enough to keep pace with the QEC cycle (e.g. on a microsecond timescale for superconducting qubits) and with hard real-time system integration to support logical operations. As such, real-time decoding is essential to realize fault-tolerant quantum computing and to achieve quantum advantage. In this work, we highlight some of the key challenges facing the implementation of real-time decoders while providing a succinct summary of the progress to-date. Furthermore, we lay out our perspective for the future development and provide a possible roadmap for the field of real-time decoding in the next few years. As the quantum hardware is anticipated to scale up, this perspective article will provide a guidance for researchers, focusing on the most pressing issues in real-time decoding and facilitating the development of solutions across quantum, nano and computer science.
Salvatore Cianci et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
We present a concise overview of the state of affairs in the development of single-photon sources based on two-dimensional (2D) crystals, focusing in particular on transition-metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. We briefly discuss the current level of advancement (i) in our understanding of the microscopic origin of the quantum emitters (QEs) identified in these two material systems, and (ii) in the characterisation of the optical properties of these emitters; then, we survey the main methods developed to enable the dynamic control of the QEs' emission energy. Finally, we summarise the main results stemming from the coupling of QEs embedded in 2D materials with photonic and plasmonic structures.
Philippe Boucaud et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 022001
The development of photonic platforms for the visible or ultra-violet spectral range represents a major challenge. In this article, we present an overview of the technological solutions available on the market. We discuss the pros and cons associated with heterogeneous or monolithic integration. We specifically focus on the III-nitride platform for integrated photonics. The III-nitrides offer every building block needed for a universal platform. We discuss the additional opportunities offered by combining III-nitride semiconductors with other materials such as two-dimensional materials.
M Radtke et al 2019 Nano Futures 3 042004
Powered by the mutual developments in instrumentation, materials and theoretical descriptions, sensing and imaging capabilities of quantum emitters in solids have significantly increased in the past two decades. Quantum emitters in solids, whose properties resemble those of atoms and ions, provide alternative ways to probing natural and artificial nanoscopic systems with minimum disturbance and ultimate spatial resolution. Among those emerging quantum emitters, the nitrogen vacancy (NV) color center in diamond is an outstanding example due to its intrinsic properties at room temperature (highly-luminescent, photo-stable, biocompatible, highly-coherent spin states). This review article summarizes recent advances and achievements in using NV centers within nano- and single crystal diamonds in sensing and imaging. We also highlight prevalent challenges and material aspects for different types of diamond and outline the main parameters to consider when using color centers as sensors. As a novel sensing resource, we highlight the properties of NV centers as light emitting electrical dipoles and their coupling to other nanoscale dipoles e.g. graphene.
K Saumya et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 032005
Two-dimensional materials with a single or few layers are exciting nano-scale materials that exhibit unprecedented multi-functional properties including optical, electronic, thermal, chemical and mechanical characteristics. A single layer of different 2D materials or a few layers of the same material may not always have the desired application-specific properties to an optimal level. In this context, a new trend has started gaining prominence lately to develop engineered nano-heterostructures by algorithmically stacking multiple layers of single or different 2D materials, wherein each layer could further have individual twisting angles. The enormous possibilities of forming heterostructures through combining a large number of 2D materials with different numbers, stacking sequences and twisting angles have expanded the scope of nano-scale design well beyond considering only a 2D material mono-layer with a specific set of given properties. Magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (BLG), a functional variant of van der Waals heterostructures, has created a buzz recently since it achieves unconventional superconductivity and Mott insulation at around 1.1∘ twist angle. These findings have ignited the interest of researchers to explore a whole new family of 2D heterostructures by introducing twists between layers to tune and enhance various multi-physical properties individually as well as their weighted compound goals. Here we aim to abridge outcomes of the relevant literature concerning twist-dependent physical properties of BLG and other multi-layered heterostructures, and subsequently highlight their broad-spectrum potential in critical engineering applications. The evolving trends and challenges have been critically analysed along with insightful perspectives on the potential direction of future research.
Samin Naghash-Hamed et al 2022 Nano Futures 6 045003
Para-nitroaniline (PNA) and ortho-nitroaniline (ONA) are highly toxic contaminants in aqueous solution and must be treated. In the current investigation, novel magnetic nanocomposites containing copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) and gelatin-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were successfully synthesized. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible techniques. The mesoporous structure of the CuFe2O4/CQD nanocomposite was shown using the BET/Barrett–Joyner–Halenda technique. The catalytic performance of the nanocatalyst during the reduction of PNA and ONA was assessed in an aqueous medium at 25 °C. The complete reduction of PNA and ONA using the CuFe2O2/CQDs nanocomposite occurred in 13 s and 35 s, respectively. The pseudo-second-order rate constant (Kapp) was obtained as 2.89 × 10−1 s−1 and 9.3 × 10−2 s−1 for reducing PNA and ONA, respectively. Moreover, the magnetic nanocatalyst was easily separated from the reaction solution and recycled for up to six consecutive cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Giorgia Di Prima et al 2019 Nano Futures 3 025001
Single-electron transistor (SET) device fabrication for operation in the tens of Kelvin range is still challenging due to the need of controlled definition of the metallic island with a diameter far below 100 nm and proper tuning of the island's tunnel couplings to the drain and source leads. Here we present results on SET device fabrication using focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) for island definition between pre-fabricated SET electrode structures. The island's nano-granular microstructure allows us, in conjunction with in situ tuning of the inter-grain tunnel coupling by post-growth electron irradiation, to study the effect of the island's electronic granularity on SET device performance. In addition we show that for reliable SET operation FEBID-associated co-deposit in proximity of the island has to be removed which can be accomplished by a novel in situ Ar ion etching process. For the low-temperature properties of functioning SET devices we obtain good agreement of capacitance values deduced from the current–voltage characteristics and capacitance calculations based on the geometry of the device electrodes and the microstructure of the island. Complementary simulations of the SET current–voltage characteristics based on the master equation approach are in good agreement with the experimental data. The observation of well-defined Coulomb oscillations indicates that FEBID-based SET structures can be useful as on-demand charge monitor devices with high lateral positioning flexibility.
Esra Şimşek and Burak Aslan 2023 Nano Futures 7 025006
Near-field interaction between the monolayers of two-dimensional (2D) materials has been recently investigated. Another branch under investigation has been the interaction between 2D materials and zero-dimensional (0D) nanostructures including quantum dots (QDs) and metal nanoparticles. In this work, we take one more step to engineering the interaction between those systems. We probe the effect of mechanical strain on the non-radiative energy transfer (NRET) rate from a 0D material, ZnCdSe/ZnSe QD, to a 2D material, monolayer (1L) WS2. It is known that the mechanical strain causes large shifts to the exciton energies in 1L WS2. As a result, our calculations show that strain can tune the NRET rate by engineering the overlap between the emission spectrum of ZnCdSe/ZnSe QD and the exciton resonances of 1L WS2.
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Christopher Fuchs et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 025001
We present overlapping top gate electrodes for the formation of gate defined lateral junctions in semiconducting layers as an alternative to the back gate/top gate combination and to the split gate configuration. The optical lithography microfabrication of the overlapping top gates is based on multiple layers of low-temperature atomic layer deposited hafnium oxide, which acts as a gate dielectric and as a robust insulating layer between two overlapping gate electrodes exhibiting a large dielectric breakdown field of . The advantage of overlapping gates over the split gate approach is confirmed in model calculations of the electrostatics of the gate stack. The overlapping gate process is applied to Hall bar devices of mercury telluride in order to study the interaction of different quantum Hall states in the nn', np, pn and pp' regime.
Philippe Boucaud et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 022001
The development of photonic platforms for the visible or ultra-violet spectral range represents a major challenge. In this article, we present an overview of the technological solutions available on the market. We discuss the pros and cons associated with heterogeneous or monolithic integration. We specifically focus on the III-nitride platform for integrated photonics. The III-nitrides offer every building block needed for a universal platform. We discuss the additional opportunities offered by combining III-nitride semiconductors with other materials such as two-dimensional materials.
Giovanni Finocchio et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
In the 'Beyond Moore's Law' era, with increasing edge intelligence, domain-specific computing embracing unconventional approaches will become increasingly prevalent. At the same time, adopting a variety of nanotechnologies will offer benefits in energy cost, computational speed, reduced footprint, cyber resilience, and processing power. The time is ripe for a roadmap for unconventional computing with nanotechnologies to guide future research, and this collection aims to fill that need. The authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for neuromorphic computing using electron spins, memristive devices, two-dimensional nanomaterials, nanomagnets, and various dynamical systems. They also address other paradigms such as Ising machines, Bayesian inference engines, probabilistic computing with p-bits, processing in memory, quantum memories and algorithms, computing with skyrmions and spin waves, and brain-inspired computing for incremental learning and problem-solving in severely resource-constrained environments. These approaches have advantages over traditional Boolean computing based on von Neumann architecture. As the computational requirements for artificial intelligence grow 50 times faster than Moore's Law for electronics, more unconventional approaches to computing and signal processing will appear on the horizon, and this roadmap will help identify future needs and challenges. In a very fertile field, experts in the field aim to present some of the dominant and most promising technologies for unconventional computing that will be around for some time to come. Within a holistic approach, the goal is to provide pathways for solidifying the field and guiding future impactful discoveries.
José Julio Gutiérrez Moreno 2024 Nano Futures 8 012501
The continuous development of increasingly powerful supercomputers makes theory-guided discoveries in materials and molecular sciences more achievable than ever before. On this ground, the incoming arrival of exascale supercomputers (running over 1018 floating point operations per second) is a key milestone that will tremendously increase the capabilities of high-performance computing (HPC). The deployment of these massive platforms will enable continuous improvements in the accuracy and scalability of ab initio codes for materials simulation. Moreover, the recent progress in advanced experimental synthesis and characterisation methods with atomic precision has led ab initio-based materials modelling and experimental methods to a convergence in terms of system sizes. This makes it possible to mimic full-scale systems in silico almost without the requirement of experimental inputs. This article provides a perspective on how computational materials science will be further empowered by the recent arrival of exascale HPC, going alongside a mini-review on the state-of-the-art of HPC-aided materials research. Possible challenges related to the efficient use of increasingly larger and heterogeneous platforms are commented on, highlighting the importance of the co-design cycle. Also, some illustrative examples of materials for target applications, which could be investigated in detail in the coming years based on a rational nanoscale design in a bottom-up fashion, are summarised.
Salvatore Cianci et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
We present a concise overview of the state of affairs in the development of single-photon sources based on two-dimensional (2D) crystals, focusing in particular on transition-metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. We briefly discuss the current level of advancement (i) in our understanding of the microscopic origin of the quantum emitters (QEs) identified in these two material systems, and (ii) in the characterisation of the optical properties of these emitters; then, we survey the main methods developed to enable the dynamic control of the QEs' emission energy. Finally, we summarise the main results stemming from the coupling of QEs embedded in 2D materials with photonic and plasmonic structures.
Open all abstracts, in this tab
Philippe Boucaud et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 022001
The development of photonic platforms for the visible or ultra-violet spectral range represents a major challenge. In this article, we present an overview of the technological solutions available on the market. We discuss the pros and cons associated with heterogeneous or monolithic integration. We specifically focus on the III-nitride platform for integrated photonics. The III-nitrides offer every building block needed for a universal platform. We discuss the additional opportunities offered by combining III-nitride semiconductors with other materials such as two-dimensional materials.
Giovanni Finocchio et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
In the 'Beyond Moore's Law' era, with increasing edge intelligence, domain-specific computing embracing unconventional approaches will become increasingly prevalent. At the same time, adopting a variety of nanotechnologies will offer benefits in energy cost, computational speed, reduced footprint, cyber resilience, and processing power. The time is ripe for a roadmap for unconventional computing with nanotechnologies to guide future research, and this collection aims to fill that need. The authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for neuromorphic computing using electron spins, memristive devices, two-dimensional nanomaterials, nanomagnets, and various dynamical systems. They also address other paradigms such as Ising machines, Bayesian inference engines, probabilistic computing with p-bits, processing in memory, quantum memories and algorithms, computing with skyrmions and spin waves, and brain-inspired computing for incremental learning and problem-solving in severely resource-constrained environments. These approaches have advantages over traditional Boolean computing based on von Neumann architecture. As the computational requirements for artificial intelligence grow 50 times faster than Moore's Law for electronics, more unconventional approaches to computing and signal processing will appear on the horizon, and this roadmap will help identify future needs and challenges. In a very fertile field, experts in the field aim to present some of the dominant and most promising technologies for unconventional computing that will be around for some time to come. Within a holistic approach, the goal is to provide pathways for solidifying the field and guiding future impactful discoveries.
Salvatore Cianci et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
We present a concise overview of the state of affairs in the development of single-photon sources based on two-dimensional (2D) crystals, focusing in particular on transition-metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. We briefly discuss the current level of advancement (i) in our understanding of the microscopic origin of the quantum emitters (QEs) identified in these two material systems, and (ii) in the characterisation of the optical properties of these emitters; then, we survey the main methods developed to enable the dynamic control of the QEs' emission energy. Finally, we summarise the main results stemming from the coupling of QEs embedded in 2D materials with photonic and plasmonic structures.
Xing Li et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 042001
Since carbon dots (CDs)-metal nanoparticles (MNPs) nanocomposites combine the advantages of both carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and MNPs, they show unique properties and are applied in heterogeneous catalysis. In the nanocomposite catalysts, CDs can act as modifiers to modulate the electronic properties of the metals or produce synergy with the metals. Consequently, the nanocomposite catalysts have good catalytic performance. This paper summarizes the preparation methods of nanocomposite catalysts and focuses on their applications in heterogeneous catalysis. Various specific preparation methods are not only summarized as completely as possible but also are also classified at the macro logic level. The applications of the nanocomposite catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis include photocatalysis, sonocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis. It also reveals how the nanocomposite catalysts produce excellent catalytic performances in various catalytic reactions. Finally, the existing problems and the direction of future efforts are proposed. It is hoped that this paper will provide a slight reference for the future research of MNPs-CQDs nanocomposite catalysts and their application in the field of catalysis.
K Saumya et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 032005
Two-dimensional materials with a single or few layers are exciting nano-scale materials that exhibit unprecedented multi-functional properties including optical, electronic, thermal, chemical and mechanical characteristics. A single layer of different 2D materials or a few layers of the same material may not always have the desired application-specific properties to an optimal level. In this context, a new trend has started gaining prominence lately to develop engineered nano-heterostructures by algorithmically stacking multiple layers of single or different 2D materials, wherein each layer could further have individual twisting angles. The enormous possibilities of forming heterostructures through combining a large number of 2D materials with different numbers, stacking sequences and twisting angles have expanded the scope of nano-scale design well beyond considering only a 2D material mono-layer with a specific set of given properties. Magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (BLG), a functional variant of van der Waals heterostructures, has created a buzz recently since it achieves unconventional superconductivity and Mott insulation at around 1.1∘ twist angle. These findings have ignited the interest of researchers to explore a whole new family of 2D heterostructures by introducing twists between layers to tune and enhance various multi-physical properties individually as well as their weighted compound goals. Here we aim to abridge outcomes of the relevant literature concerning twist-dependent physical properties of BLG and other multi-layered heterostructures, and subsequently highlight their broad-spectrum potential in critical engineering applications. The evolving trends and challenges have been critically analysed along with insightful perspectives on the potential direction of future research.
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Marchesini et al
With graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials now enhancing products used in everyday life, the scale of industrial production of many different types of 2D nanomaterials requires quality control (QC) processes that can be performed rapidly, non-destructively, in-line and in a cost-effective manner. These materials must be repeatably produced with targeted material properties, to reduce the costs associated with nonconformity of products, and so multiple QC methods that can monitor different material properties are required. Herein, we describe different measurands and associated techniques that either have the potential to be used for QC, or are already being used in this way, whether that off-line, at-line or in-line. The advantages and disadvantages of different techniques are detailed, as well as possible solutions that can ensure confidence in these methods and lead to measurement traceability in this growing industry.
Sorayani Bafqi et al
The synthesis of graphene through environmentally friendly and efficient methods has posed a persistent challenge, prompting extensive research in recent years to access sustainable source and attain high quality graphene competing with the one obtained from graphite ores. Addressing this challenge becomes even more intricate when aiming to convert captured CO2 into graphene structures, encountering hurdles stemming from the inherent stability of the CO2 molecule and its steadfast transformation. Together with CO2, there is a great potential to create carbon source by using natural biomass, cellulosic plant sources and industrial wastes. This comprehensive review delves into the recent synthesis techniques and developments, exploring both direct and indirect pathways for the integration of CO2 that strive to overcome the complexities associated with transforming CO2 into graphene. The review critically analyzes CO2 capturing mechanisms designed for air, ocean, and alternative sources, outlining the progress made in harnessing captured CO2 as a feedstock for graphene production by evaluating captured CO2 values. This review consolidates the recent advancements by providing a roadmap for future research directions in the sustainable synthesis of graphene from captured CO2 in the pursuit of a greener, circular economy.
Pecunia et al
The dissemination of sensors is key to realizing a sustainable, 'intelligent' world, where everyday objects and environments are equipped with sensing capabilities to advance the sustainability and quality of our lives—e.g., via smart homes, smart cities, smart healthcare, smart logistics, Industry 4.0, and precision agriculture. The realization of the full potential of these applications critically depends on the availability of easy-to-make, low-cost sensor technologies. Sensors based on printable electronic materials offer the ideal platform: they can be fabricated through simple methods (e.g., printing and coating) and are compatible with high-throughput roll-to-roll processing. Moreover, printable electronic materials often allow the fabrication of sensors on flexible/stretchable/biodegradable substrates, thereby enabling the deployment of sensors in unconventional settings. Fulfilling the promise of printable electronic materials for sensing will require materials and device innovations to enhance their ability to transduce external stimuli—light, ionizing radiation, pressure, strain, force, temperature, gas, vapours, humidity, and other chemical and biological analytes. This Roadmap brings together the viewpoints of experts in various printable sensing materials—and devices thereof—to provide insights into the status and outlook of the field. Alongside recent materials and device innovations, the roadmap discusses the key outstanding challenges pertaining to each printable sensing technology. Finally, the Roadmap points to promising directions to overcome these challenges and thus enable ubiquitous sensing for a sustainable, 'intelligent' world.
Yuan et al
This article is withdrawn as it is a duplicate of https://doi.org/10.1088/2399-1984/aad9b8.
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Mohammad Sajad Sorayani Bafqi et al 2024 Nano Futures
The synthesis of graphene through environmentally friendly and efficient methods has posed a persistent challenge, prompting extensive research in recent years to access sustainable source and attain high quality graphene competing with the one obtained from graphite ores. Addressing this challenge becomes even more intricate when aiming to convert captured CO2 into graphene structures, encountering hurdles stemming from the inherent stability of the CO2 molecule and its steadfast transformation. Together with CO2, there is a great potential to create carbon source by using natural biomass, cellulosic plant sources and industrial wastes. This comprehensive review delves into the recent synthesis techniques and developments, exploring both direct and indirect pathways for the integration of CO2 that strive to overcome the complexities associated with transforming CO2 into graphene. The review critically analyzes CO2 capturing mechanisms designed for air, ocean, and alternative sources, outlining the progress made in harnessing captured CO2 as a feedstock for graphene production by evaluating captured CO2 values. This review consolidates the recent advancements by providing a roadmap for future research directions in the sustainable synthesis of graphene from captured CO2 in the pursuit of a greener, circular economy.
Giovanni Finocchio et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
In the 'Beyond Moore's Law' era, with increasing edge intelligence, domain-specific computing embracing unconventional approaches will become increasingly prevalent. At the same time, adopting a variety of nanotechnologies will offer benefits in energy cost, computational speed, reduced footprint, cyber resilience, and processing power. The time is ripe for a roadmap for unconventional computing with nanotechnologies to guide future research, and this collection aims to fill that need. The authors provide a comprehensive roadmap for neuromorphic computing using electron spins, memristive devices, two-dimensional nanomaterials, nanomagnets, and various dynamical systems. They also address other paradigms such as Ising machines, Bayesian inference engines, probabilistic computing with p-bits, processing in memory, quantum memories and algorithms, computing with skyrmions and spin waves, and brain-inspired computing for incremental learning and problem-solving in severely resource-constrained environments. These approaches have advantages over traditional Boolean computing based on von Neumann architecture. As the computational requirements for artificial intelligence grow 50 times faster than Moore's Law for electronics, more unconventional approaches to computing and signal processing will appear on the horizon, and this roadmap will help identify future needs and challenges. In a very fertile field, experts in the field aim to present some of the dominant and most promising technologies for unconventional computing that will be around for some time to come. Within a holistic approach, the goal is to provide pathways for solidifying the field and guiding future impactful discoveries.
Vincenzo Pecunia et al 2024 Nano Futures
The dissemination of sensors is key to realizing a sustainable, 'intelligent' world, where everyday objects and environments are equipped with sensing capabilities to advance the sustainability and quality of our lives—e.g., via smart homes, smart cities, smart healthcare, smart logistics, Industry 4.0, and precision agriculture. The realization of the full potential of these applications critically depends on the availability of easy-to-make, low-cost sensor technologies. Sensors based on printable electronic materials offer the ideal platform: they can be fabricated through simple methods (e.g., printing and coating) and are compatible with high-throughput roll-to-roll processing. Moreover, printable electronic materials often allow the fabrication of sensors on flexible/stretchable/biodegradable substrates, thereby enabling the deployment of sensors in unconventional settings. Fulfilling the promise of printable electronic materials for sensing will require materials and device innovations to enhance their ability to transduce external stimuli—light, ionizing radiation, pressure, strain, force, temperature, gas, vapours, humidity, and other chemical and biological analytes. This Roadmap brings together the viewpoints of experts in various printable sensing materials—and devices thereof—to provide insights into the status and outlook of the field. Alongside recent materials and device innovations, the roadmap discusses the key outstanding challenges pertaining to each printable sensing technology. Finally, the Roadmap points to promising directions to overcome these challenges and thus enable ubiquitous sensing for a sustainable, 'intelligent' world.
Salvatore Cianci et al 2024 Nano Futures 8 012001
We present a concise overview of the state of affairs in the development of single-photon sources based on two-dimensional (2D) crystals, focusing in particular on transition-metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. We briefly discuss the current level of advancement (i) in our understanding of the microscopic origin of the quantum emitters (QEs) identified in these two material systems, and (ii) in the characterisation of the optical properties of these emitters; then, we survey the main methods developed to enable the dynamic control of the QEs' emission energy. Finally, we summarise the main results stemming from the coupling of QEs embedded in 2D materials with photonic and plasmonic structures.
K Saumya et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 032005
Two-dimensional materials with a single or few layers are exciting nano-scale materials that exhibit unprecedented multi-functional properties including optical, electronic, thermal, chemical and mechanical characteristics. A single layer of different 2D materials or a few layers of the same material may not always have the desired application-specific properties to an optimal level. In this context, a new trend has started gaining prominence lately to develop engineered nano-heterostructures by algorithmically stacking multiple layers of single or different 2D materials, wherein each layer could further have individual twisting angles. The enormous possibilities of forming heterostructures through combining a large number of 2D materials with different numbers, stacking sequences and twisting angles have expanded the scope of nano-scale design well beyond considering only a 2D material mono-layer with a specific set of given properties. Magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (BLG), a functional variant of van der Waals heterostructures, has created a buzz recently since it achieves unconventional superconductivity and Mott insulation at around 1.1∘ twist angle. These findings have ignited the interest of researchers to explore a whole new family of 2D heterostructures by introducing twists between layers to tune and enhance various multi-physical properties individually as well as their weighted compound goals. Here we aim to abridge outcomes of the relevant literature concerning twist-dependent physical properties of BLG and other multi-layered heterostructures, and subsequently highlight their broad-spectrum potential in critical engineering applications. The evolving trends and challenges have been critically analysed along with insightful perspectives on the potential direction of future research.
F Battistel et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 032003
Quantum computing is poised to solve practically useful problems which are computationally intractable for classical supercomputers. However, the current generation of quantum computers are limited by errors that may only partially be mitigated by developing higher-quality qubits. Quantum error correction (QEC) will thus be necessary to ensure fault tolerance. QEC protects the logical information by cyclically measuring syndrome information about the errors. An essential part of QEC is the decoder, which uses the syndrome to compute the likely effect of the errors on the logical degrees of freedom and provide a tentative correction. The decoder must be accurate, fast enough to keep pace with the QEC cycle (e.g. on a microsecond timescale for superconducting qubits) and with hard real-time system integration to support logical operations. As such, real-time decoding is essential to realize fault-tolerant quantum computing and to achieve quantum advantage. In this work, we highlight some of the key challenges facing the implementation of real-time decoders while providing a succinct summary of the progress to-date. Furthermore, we lay out our perspective for the future development and provide a possible roadmap for the field of real-time decoding in the next few years. As the quantum hardware is anticipated to scale up, this perspective article will provide a guidance for researchers, focusing on the most pressing issues in real-time decoding and facilitating the development of solutions across quantum, nano and computer science.
Esra Şimşek and Burak Aslan 2023 Nano Futures 7 025006
Near-field interaction between the monolayers of two-dimensional (2D) materials has been recently investigated. Another branch under investigation has been the interaction between 2D materials and zero-dimensional (0D) nanostructures including quantum dots (QDs) and metal nanoparticles. In this work, we take one more step to engineering the interaction between those systems. We probe the effect of mechanical strain on the non-radiative energy transfer (NRET) rate from a 0D material, ZnCdSe/ZnSe QD, to a 2D material, monolayer (1L) WS2. It is known that the mechanical strain causes large shifts to the exciton energies in 1L WS2. As a result, our calculations show that strain can tune the NRET rate by engineering the overlap between the emission spectrum of ZnCdSe/ZnSe QD and the exciton resonances of 1L WS2.
Lorenzo Benatti et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 025003
Neuromorphic circuits based on spikes are currently envisioned as a viable option to achieve brain-like computation capabilities in specific electronic implementations while limiting power dissipation given their ability to mimic energy-efficient bioinspired mechanisms. While several network architectures have been developed to embed in hardware the bioinspired learning rules found in the biological brain, such as spike timing-dependent plasticity, it is still unclear if hardware spiking neural network architectures can handle and transfer information akin to biological networks. In this work, we investigate the analogies between an artificial neuron combining memristor synapses and rate-based learning rule with biological neuron response in terms of information propagation from a theoretical perspective. Bioinspired experiments have been reproduced by linking the biological probability of release with the artificial synapse conductance. Mutual information and surprise have been chosen as metrics to evidence how, for different values of synaptic weights, an artificial neuron allows to develop a reliable and biological resembling neural network in terms of information propagation and analysis.
Hilal Goktas et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 025001
A facile and effective catalyst deposition process for carbon nanotube (CNT) array growth via chemical vapor deposition using a resistively heated thermal evaporation technique to sublimate FeCl3 onto the substrate is demonstrated. The catalytic activity of the sublimated FeCl3 catalyst precursor is shown to be comparable to the well-studied e-beam evaporated Fe catalyst, and the resulting vertically aligned CNTs (VA-CNTs) have a similar diameter, walls, and defects, as well as improved bulk electrical conductivity. In contrast to standard e-beam-deposited Fe, which yields base-growth CNTs, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations reveal a tip-growth mechanism for the FeCl3-derived VA-CNT arrays/forests. The FeCl3-derived forests have a lower (∼1/3 less) longitudinal indentation modulus, but higher longitudinal electrical conductivity (greater than twice) than that of the e-beam Fe-grown CNT arrays. The sublimation process to grow high-quality VA-CNTs is a highly facile and scalable process (extensive substrate shape and size, and moderate vacuum and temperatures) that provides a new route to synthesizing aligned CNT forests for numerous applications.
Sadegh Azizi et al 2023 Nano Futures 7 015002
We present a one-step hydrothermal synthesis of hybrids consisting of nickel sulfides in the form of Ni3S4–NiS (NN) and Ni3S4–NiS-rGO (NNR), i.e. with the addition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), for application as catalysts. After accurate physical characterization and confirmation of successful synthesis, we evaluate the ability of these catalysts in the processes of methanol and ethanol oxidation. The precise electrochemical analyses show relatively good potential and excellent cyclic stability in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) processes. The comparison of the two catalysts shows the superiority of NNR over NN, confirming that rGO introduces a higher specific surface area and a higher electrical conductivity in the NNR structure. In the process of MOR, NNR has an oxidation peak at a current density of 55 mA cm−2 and a peak potential of 0.54 V. In EOR, this peak is located at a current density of 11 mA cm−2 and at a peak potential of 0.59 V. NNR has 97% and 94% stability in MOR and EOR after 1000 consecutive cycles, respectively, which are acceptable values.