Every day at Columbia we build nano devices by stacking atomically thin 2D materials into complex structures -- one atomic layer at a time. This new building method opens a whole new realm of possibilities from flexible electronics to implantable biomedical devices to spray on applications.

In this video, Professor James Teherani explains the differences between 2D and 3D materials by comparing molecular models of two materials you’re familiar with: graphite (pencil lead) and  diamond. Both of these materials are made entirely from carbon atoms. However, they look and behave differently because of their different molecular bonding configurations.

Next, take a look at Part 2, where we go into the lab to show you how we manipulate 2D materials that are a few billionths of a meter thick and stack them into structures with new functionalities.