In News:

• NITI Aayog’sFrontier Tech Hub, in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru, released the 4th edition of FutureFront Quarterly Insights titled “Introduction to 2D Materials”.
• Report highlights the need for India to invest early in 2D materials to lead in semiconductors, quantum technologies, and advanced electronics.

What are 2D Materials?

• Definition: Materials that are one atom thick, with unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
• Discovery: Graphene isolated in 2004 → Nobel Prize in Physics, 2010.
• Examples:
  • Graphene (Carbon-based)
  • Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs)  –MoS?, WS?
  • Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN)
  • Xenes – Silicene, Phosphorene

Key Properties

• ~200× stronger than steel, yet flexible.
• Conducts electricity better than copper; spreads heat efficiently.
• Tunable band gaps → useful for semiconductors.
• Exhibits quantum effects (e.g., spin–valley coupling).
• Transparent & flexible → foldable/wearable electronics.

Applications

• Semiconductors: Chips up to 10× smaller than silicon-based chips.
• Quantum Computing: Hosting qubits, spin–valley interactions.
• Artificial Intelligence: Atom-thin memristors for neuromorphic computing.
• Optoelectronics: LEDs, photodetectors, ultra-thin solar cells.
• Green Tech: EV batteries, water filtration, aerospace composites.

Significance for India

• Tech Geopolitics: Control over supply chains and standards creates “tech choke points.”
• Challenge: Current reliance on licensed technologies → dependency (“umbilical cord” risk).
• Opportunity: Early push in 2D materials offers first-mover advantage in semiconductors.
• Global Status: USA, China, Japan, South Korea already investing heavily.

Policy Measures

• NITI Aayog: Urges creation of a complete 2D ecosystem – R&D, talent, supply chains, standards, manufacturing.
• MeitY& DST: Invited proposals for R&D and product development in 2D materials.