Low-dimensional materials exhibit a wealth of new phenomena not found in their 3D counterparts: Electronic and ionic correlation effects alter their macroscopic properties, making them an ideal framework for nanotechnology applications. Their reduced dimensionality leads to a competition between bulk and surface effects that offers unmatched tunability and challenges the limits of currently available experimental and theoretical tools. Because 2D systems lie at the interface between solid-state physics, molecular chemistry, and materials science, future leaders in nanotechnology will require expertise that crosses traditional boundaries between disciplines. To fully exploit the potential of these materials, we need to train a new generation of researchers. With TU-D, we aim to create a new, research-oriented training program for PhD students in low-dimensional materials, covering the four key areas of nanotechnology: synthesis and materials design, experimentation and characterization, theory and modeling, and application potential and prototyping.

A comprehensive PhD program

The mission of TU-D is to train the next generation of leaders in the field of 2D materials at the future state of the art. This will be achieved through a comprehensive PhD program that builds on the collaboration of world-class expertise available at TU Wien.

The transition from bulk to low-dimensional materials represents a paradigm shift in materials research. In low dimensions, materials exhibit exotic electronic and optical properties due to strong electron confinement and correlation effects. Their large surface-to-volume ratio offers new opportunities for modification, making them inherently well-tunable. They are ideally suited for applications in electronic and optical devices, energy storage, and catalysis.

Interdisciplinary research

With their reduced dimensionality, LDMs stand at the crossroads between solid-state physics, chemistry of low-dimensional molecular structures, and materials science. In TU-D, we bring together a team of world-class scientists to create a coordinated research program focused on the four pillars of nanotechnology:

• Synthesis and Materials Design
• Experimentation and characterization
• Theory and simulation
• Application potential and prototypes.

This sets the stage for a PhD program in human technology development built on scientific excellence, where students receive comprehensive training from leading scientists on all aspects of low-dimensional materials.