The Center of Atomic Initiative for New Materials (AI-MAT) at National Taiwan University is funded in May 2018 under the support of Ministry of Education and aims at the growths and developments of emergent materials from atomic perspectives. The AI-MAT is highly interdisciplinary, with the 18 principal investigators coming from 3 different institutions (Center for Condensed Matter Sciences, College of Science, and College of Engineering). The research momenta encompass three major thrusts, (1) New Materials Growth by Atomic Design, (2) Expert System on Atomic Material Characterizations, and (3) Atomic/Molecular Functionalization of New Materials and Theoretical Framework.
(1) Thrust I: New Materials Growth by Atomic Design
New materials drive new sciences, with modern quantum phenomena largely centered on two- and low-dimensional materials. In the AI-MAT, particular focuses have been put on single-crystalline materials with two-dimensional (2D) layered structures, atomically-thin 2D substances, atomically-sharp superlattices and correlated novel properties. Dr. Fang-Cheng Chou, Prof. Chun-Wei Chen, and Prof. Chia-Wen Wu are the three PIs in charge.
[Figure]: Three main categories of new materials grown by atomic design: (a) single crystalline materials, (b) 2D atomic layered materials and (c) atomic architectures.
(2) Thrust II: Expert System on Atomic Material Characterizations
The modern advance in material-growth techniques expands the form of matters from conventional bulks to a plethora of low-dimensional replicas, ranging from atomically-thin flakes, few unit-cell films, to molecular-scale assemblies. The reduced dimensionality of this kind has been known to harbor exotic quantum-electronic states in graphene and derivatives, new form of ordering at oxide interfaces, and enhanced functionality of atomically engineered substances. These findings raise the outstanding problem of why there shall be the emergent properties at low dimensions, with the addressing of the structure-property correlation behind demanding for spectroscopic probing with high spatial resolution. Tackling this latter challenge comprises the central objective of this thrust and plays a critical role in shaping the pipeline from atomic materials design (Thrust I) to advanced functionalities (Thrust III).
Thrust II is hence dedicated to an EXPERT SYSTEM on spectro-microscopy techniques that encompass electronic and optical spectroscopies from mesoscopic to atomic scales. The five PIs, Dr. Ming-Wen Chu, Prof. Cheng-Yen Wen, Prof. Ya-Ping Chiu, Dr. Woei-Wu Pai, and Dr. Yu-Ming Chang, are the most recognized experts on the related subjects in Taiwan.
(3) Thrust III: Atomic/Molecular Functionalization of New Materials and Theoretical Framework
Development of novel materials and advanced spectroscopies and microscopies (both static and in-situ/operando) has enabled innovative technologies in an unprecedented manner. Meanwhile, the quest of a sustainable society has stimulated resource-conscious and environmental-friendly energy technologies. In Thrust III, we focus on the atomic and molecular functionalities of new materials; in particular, our aims are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recycle waste heat, in the same time introduce renewable energy sources (such as solar fuels and thermoelectrics), as well as develop efficient and durable batteries and energy-efficient spintronic devices. Though seemingly diversified properties to investigate, manipulation of the materials and interfaces in the atomic and molecular level holds the key for optimizing their functionalities towards the targeted applications. There are 10 PIs dedicated to this thrust, Dr. Li-Chyong Chen, Dr. Michitoshi Hayashi, Dr. Leeyih Wang, Dr. Jauyn Grace Lin, Dr. Juen-Kai Wang, Dr. Chih-Wei Chang, Dr. Heng-Liang Wu, Prof. Hung-Hsiang Cheng, Prof. Hsuen-Li Chen, and Prof. Chi-Feng Pai. Specifically, four experimental-based topics and one theoretical framework will be addressed in the years to come, with the coherent goal of unraveling the structure-property correlation behind each material system.