New CRC 1772 “Heterostructures of Molecules and Two-Dimensional Materials” Unites Cutting-Edge Research in Physics and Chemistry

Anstoßen auf den neuen Sonderforschungsbereich (von links nach rechts): SFB-Sprecherin Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich, Universitätspräsident Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler und SFB-Co-Sprecher Prof. Dr. Siegfried Eigler
Image Credit: OJ

Physikprofessorinnen Dr. Katharina Franke und Dr. Stephanie Reich

Molecules in two-dimensional materials are the focus of a new Collaborative Research Center (CRC) that will be funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with over ten million euros for approximately four years.

The spokesperson for CRC 1772 is physicist Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich. The center will begin its work in October 2025.

News from Jun 02, 2025

“The new CRC Heterostructures of Molecules and Two-Dimensional Materials will bridge two exciting areas of modern science – the design of organic molecules and the properties of two-dimensional materials, meaning atomically thin crystals,” explains the spokesperson of the new CRC 1772, Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich, a physics professor at Freie Universität Berlin. “In this research center, we want to create ‘sandwiches’ from these components, with the molecules acting as the ‘filling’ between the 'bread' made from two-dimensional materials.”

Such a sandwich will combine the strengths of organic molecules with those of two-dimensional materials. “This could allow us, for example, to precisely control the flow of electricity, customize the response to light, and realize entirely new exotic quantum states.”

These concepts are to be theoretically explored and refined, and practically implemented over the course of CRC 1772. “In this way, we will improve the synthesis of industrially relevant chemicals and design better battery materials by enabling the flow of electrons between the parts of the sandwich,” adds co-spokesperson Prof. Dr. Siegfried Eigler. “CRC 1772 will deliver scientific excellence in physics and chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin while also helping to shape our technological future,” the chemist emphasizes.

The DFG is initially funding the new CRC 1772 with 10.6 million euros for three years and nine months. The total of 18 scientific sub-projects within CRC 1772 come not only from Freie Universität Berlin, but also from Humboldt University of Berlin, the Technical University of Berlin, and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg.