International Training Network „ULTIMATE“ starts

The International Training Network "ULTIMATE", funded by the European Union, began its work with a kick-off meeting on 1 October. ULTIMATE stands for "Bottom-Up generation of atomicalLy precise syntheTIc 2D MATerials for high performance in energy and Electronic applications". The ULTIMATE network consists of universities and research institutes in eight European countries with a common goal: The promotion of young talents for strong research and development in the field of so-called synthetic 2-dimensional materials (S2DM) in Europe.

S2DM are crystalline materials, but they consist only of a single atomic layer. After the discovery of graphene, the best-known representative of this material class, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, many more 2D crystals were identified. They often have fascinating properties that are not comparable with 3-dimensional solids. They are thus favoured for a variety of applications, such as faster and more powerful electronic components or for energy storage and conversion.

This is where ULTIMATE comes in, because within the framework of the interdisciplinary program, the PhD students in the network receive, among other things, a well-founded education in how novel atomically precise 2D materials with defined structure and composition can be generated. A further focus is on how the unique and tunable properties of this novel S2DM can be exploited optimally for electronics and energy applications.

ULTIMATE's Training-through-Research approach pursues transdisciplinary collaboration in various academic fields. Therefore, experts with core competencies in molecular modeling, synthesis chemistry (organic, macro-/supramolecular synthesis), surface and interface studies as well as the fabrication and characterization of optoelectronic devices are represented in the network. The DWI is involved with Prof. Stefan Hecht and his expertise in the field of macromolecular synthesis on surfaces. His subproject is focusing on the development of dynamically covalent polymers based on reversible connections between the monomer building blocks, which allow defect healing during synthesis and thus provide access to extended and preferably perfect S2DM.

Further information can be found at: http://ultimate-itn.eu/