Abstract: Atomically-thin materials possess unique intrinsic properties and are amenable to a range of tuning techniques. We harness these properties underpinned by application demand and work with industry to translate into end-user products. Firstly, we synthesise a variety of atomically-thin metal oxides, ono/dichalcogenides and elemental 2D materials using solid, liquid and vapour phase techniques guided by application. Our fundamental advances have been uncovering the origins of oxidative degradation in few-layer black phosphorus (BP) and subsequently proposing an ionic liquid-based approach to prevent ambient degradation of BP. Using defect engineering, we have demonstrated neuromorphic vision and processing sensors. We have explored the use of hybrids of dissimilar materials to enhance electronic and optical performance. Ultra-thin layers have been used to develop one of the world’s thinnest photodetectors that can sense all shades of light from UV-infrared. We further study strain-tunability in low-dimensional structures via integrating them onto elastomeric platforms. Recently, we have investigated the influence of defects and strategies for passivation in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides for applications in optoelectronics and health sensors. Using a cross-disciplinary approach, we deploy multifunctionality of these new material systems into solving technological challenges for industry partners across sectors that require novel materials and functions to be integrated into their products.

Bio: Sumeet Walia is a Professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne. He is the Director of the RMIT Centre for Opto-electronic materials and sensors that focuses on discovering and manipulating fundamental properties of materials for applications across energy, nano/optoelectronics, sensors and healthcare. He has a demonstrated track of creating bespoke, needs-based multidisciplinary teams to solve critical technological bottlenecks. He has co-authored over 160 peer reviewed publications including authoritative reviews in prestigious journals, a named inventor on eleven patents and editor of two books for the CRC Press. Sumeet partners with several cross-sector industry to translate fundamental discoveries into the real world. He is also an avid contributor in enhancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access in STEM. He chaired the national equity, diversity and inclusion committee of Science and Technology Australia and is part of advisory boards of the Victorian government and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. His scientific and leadership contributions have been recognised through several national and international awards including the Eureka Prize for Science leadership and the MIT Technology Review's Top 10 Innovators in APAC.

 

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