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Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, MoS2, and black phosphorus exhibit
extraordinary strength and tunability at the atomic scale, yet their translation into mechanically
robust, device-scale architectures remains a major challenge. In this talk, I will present our recent
advances in probing and engineering the macroscale mechanics of 2D crystals, from centimeter-
scale single-crystal graphene to heterostructure membranes. Using custom-built micro-tensile
platforms, in-situ Raman/PL spectroscopy, and advanced AFM modes, we quantify tensile strength,
fracture behavior, and fatigue lifetimes in ultra-thin films. These insights provide the foundation
for strain-engineered functionalities, where interfacial mechanics and defect control dictate
performance. Building on these results, I will discuss emerging directions in straintronics and
energy harvesting, including piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators that leverage the
exceptional electromechanical response of engineered 2D heterostructures. By linking atomic-
scale phenomena with macroscale reliability, this work outlines a pathway for reproducible,
flexible devices and functional strain-mediated platforms, with implications for semiconductor
integration, quantum technologies, and energy-efficient electronics. |