Only gold can pull this off: mechanical exfoliations of transition metal dichalcogenides beyond scotch tape

Abstract Following in graphene’s wake, the scotch tape method became key enabler for preparation of 2D materials, providing easy access to high-quality materials mainly limited by low yield. At this time, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) received tremendous attention as a promising class two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. The motivation reach limit TMDCs and many other layered has long been set, with rise gold-mediated exfoliations towards millimeter scale, stacking these single-layer building blocks into artificial 3D lattices is more relevant than ever. On note, review presents recent developments beyond tape, accompanied methods walkthrough such process. These matured gold unlock whole palette blocks, ready assembly macroscopic van der Waals heterostructures, or twistronics. Ultimately, mechanical exfoliation single layers, evolved from gold, an even potent tool