Toward single-layer Janus crystals: Off-balance materials from synthesis to nanotechnology applications

The existence of things is directly related to their structural symmetry in a broad framework ranging from atoms crystalline materials and simple cells complex organisms like humans. However, imbalance that occurs through natural or artificial means can provide completely different advantages. Molecules, crystals, structures with constitute the family Janus-type materials. This perspective provides comprehensive discussion on synthesis techniques materials, use fields biology science, very recent studies 2D ultrathin graphene-like structures. We believe that, thanks advances experimental techniques, few-atom-sized off-balanced will be indispensable parts nanotechnology products soon used our daily lives.