A review of assembly techniques for fabricating twisted bilayer graphene

The discovery of the 'magic angle' in twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) triggered tremendous interests in the studies of twist-stacked 2D materials and symbolized the onset of 'twistronics'. The unprecedented properties exhibited by twist-stacked 2D materials are enabled by simply stacking 2D materials with a twist angle. However, it is by no means trivial to establish such material systems in high quality and efficiency. The assembly technologies enabling the construction of twist-stacked 2D materials are critical to achieve the desired properties. Here, we review the state-of-the-art mainstream assembly technologies to produce twist-stacked 2D materials, by using tBLG as a representative materaisl system. We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of bottom-up and top-down assembly techniques, discussed the assemblies of twist-stacked 2D materials beyond graphene, and proposed potential areas for future investigations to advance the technology to the next level.

Automated summary

The discovery of the 'magic angle' in twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) sparked significant interest in the study of twist-stacked 2D materials, showcasing unprecedented properties through the simple stacking of 2D materials with a twist angle. However, establishing such material systems in high quality and efficiency is challenging. Assembly technologies play a critical role in enabling the construction of twist-stacked 2D materials and advancing the technology to the next level.