Project Grant 2533623

The National Science Foundation Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation awarded Arizona State University $530,924 on August 1, 2026, to investigate the mechanics and electromechanical coupling of asymmetric, atomically thin two-dimensional materials under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041).

The project establishes a mechanics-based framework for Janus layers—materials with distinct chemical compositions on their top and bottom surfaces—and their stacked and curved architectures. The work investigates how surface-dependent internal stress alters elastic response, bending, wrinkling, fracture, and scrolling in single layers, bilayers, and rolled structures. Research will further determine how strain, curvature, interlayer alignment, and sliding modify electric polarization and piezoelectric response, with applications to mechanically adaptive electronics, ultrasensitive sensors, low-power memory, and reconfigurable devices. The project includes a "Forces at Play" K-12 outreach program with hands-on demonstrations linking mechanical deformation and material function, and will train undergraduate and graduate students through immersive research experiences with broad dissemination of outcomes through accessible outreach content.

Work is performed in Tempe, Arizona, with a period of performance from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. Arizona State University's Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Administration administers the award as the recipient organization under the university's parent entity, Arizona Board of Regents.