Caveats in obtaining high-quality 2D materials and property characterization

The field of two-dimensional (2D) materials remains a key area of scientific research today, generating continual interest for electronic, sensing, and quantum technology. As the field progresses beyond proof-of-concept devices, experimental and analytical methods and results must be scrutinized to ensure the veracity of scientific claims. Here, some favored synthesis and characterization techniques within the 2D material (2DM) community and certain limitations inherent to these techniques are discussed. The authors highlight select caveats of solid-source and seed-promoted synthesis techniques, such as difficulties in reproducibility and compromised electrical performance of films synthesized with nucleation agents. Furthermore, the importance of careful characterization methodology in determining 2DM layer number, stoichiometry, and dopant effects is discussed. This article is intended to further educate researchers regarding select techniques and claims in the 2DMs field.