Quantum platforms through chemical design of 2D vdW heterostructures

Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) of vertically stacked 2D atomic crystals have been used to elicit intriguing phenomena that arise from strong electronic correlations spawned at the heterointerface. However, vdWHs containing heterointerfaces between these 2D atomic crystal lattices and molecular assemblies are emerging as equally intriguing platforms through which new properties can be harnessed for energy conversion, photodetection, selective charge injection, and quantum emission. In particular, we have developed a unique approach, which we call “lattice embossing,” whereby proximity coupling a 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) to a 2D semiconductor can lead to intriguing quantum emission features. Crucially, the exciton confinement giving rise to this effect can be precisely tuned, because the MOF periodicity, symmetry, and band topology can be tailored through chemical synthesis. Here, I describe key spectroscopic results that attest to the extraordinary spectral purity, dynamics, and character of the emission from the quantum confined excitons. Notably, the resulting quantum light is precisely defined in space and can be switched on demand by inducing a phase change of the MOF lattice. I conclude by highlighting how such 2D atomic crystal–MOF heterostructures could be exciting platforms for controlling excitons, spins, phonons and even strain tensors. Ultimately, the vast array of chemical, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical potentials that such heterostructures can support will open unique opportunities in optics, sensing, and information processing.