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<p dir="ltr">The technological drive of humanity to explore the cosmos, travel at hypersonic speeds, and pursue clean energy solutions requires ceramic scientists and engineers to constantly push materials to their functional, behavioral, and chemical extremes. Ultra-high temperature ceramics, and particularly transition metal carbides, are promising materials to meet the demands of extreme environment materials with their >4000 °C melting temperature and impressive thermomechanical behaviors in extreme conditions. The advent of the 2D version of these transition metal carbides, known as MXenes, added a new direction to design transition metal carbides for energy, catalysis, flexible electronics, and other applications. Toward extreme conditions, although MXenes remain yet unexplored, we believe that the ~1 nm flakes of MXenes gives ceramics scientists and engineers the ability to truly engineer transition metal carbides layer-by-layer at the nanoscale to endure the extreme conditions required by future harsh environment technology. Although MXenes have this inherent promise, fundamental study of their behavior in high-temperature environments is necessary to understand how their chemistry and 2D nature affects the high-temperature stability and phase behavior of MXenes toward application in extreme environments.</p><p dir="ltr">In this dissertation, we investigate the high-temperature phase behavior of 2D MXenes in high temperature inert environments to understand the stability and phase transition behavior of MXenes. In this work, we demonstrate that 1) MXenes’ transition at high-temperatures is to highly textured transition metal carbides is due to the homoepitaxial growth of these phases onto ~1-nm-thick MXenes’ highly exposed basal plane, 2) the MXene to MXene interface plays a major role in the phase behavior of MXenes, particularly toward building layered transition metal carbides using MXenes as ~1-nm-thick building blocks, and 3) Defects are the primary site at which atomic migration begins during phase transition of MXenes into these highly textured transition metal carbides, and these defects can be engineered for different phase stability of MXenes. To do so, we investigate the phase behavior of Ti₃C₂T_<em>x</em>, Ta₄C₃T_<em>x</em>, Mo₂TiC₂T_<em>x</em>, and other MXenes using a combination of <i>in situ</i> x-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy and other <i>ex situ</i> methods, such as secondary ion mass spectrometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with other methods. By investigating the fundamentals of the high-temperature phase behavior of MXenes, we hope to establish the basic principles behind use of MXenes as the ideal material for application in future extreme environments.</p>

Molecules adsorbed on two-dimensional (2D) materials can show interesting physical and chemical properties. This thesis presents scanning probe microscopy (SPM) investigation of emerging 2D materials, molecular nanostructures on 2D substrates at the nanometer scale, and biophysical processes on the biological membrane. Two main techniques of nano-probing are used: scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The study particularly emphasizes on self-assembled molecules on flat 2D materials and quasi-1D wrinkles. First, we report the preparation of novel 1D C60 nanostructures on rippled graphene. Through careful control of the subtle balance between the linear periodic potential of rippled graphene and the C60 surface mobility, we demonstrate that C60 molecules can be arranged into a 1D C60 chain structure of two to three molecules in width. At a higher annealing temperature, the 1D chain structure transitions to a more closely packed, quasi-1D hexagonal stripe structure. The experimental realization of 1D C60 structures on graphene is, to our knowledge, the first in the field. It could pave the way for fabricating new C60/graphene hybrid structures for future applications in electronics, spintronic and quantum information. Second, we report a study on nano-morphology of potential operative donors (e.g., C60) and acceptors (e.g., perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, aka. PTCDA) on wrinkled graphene supported by copper foils. We realize sub-monolayer C60 and PTCDA on quasi-1D and quasi-2D real periodic wrinkled graphene, by carefully controlling the deposition parameters of both molecules. Our successful realization of acceptor-donor binary nanostructures on wrinkled graphene could have important implications in future development of organic solar cells. Third, we report an STM and spectroscopy study on atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) material. TMDCs are emerging 2D materials recently due to their intriguing physical properties and potential applications. In particular, our study focuses on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) mono- to few-layers and pyramid nanostructures synthesized through chemical vapor deposition. On the few-layered MoS2 nanoplatelets grown on gallium nitride (GaN) and pyramid nanostructures on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), we observe an intriguing curved region near the edge terminals. The measured band gap in these curved regions is consistent with the direct band gap in MoS2 monolayers. The curved features near the edge terminals and the associated electronic properties may contribute to understanding catalytic behaviors of MoS2 nanostructures and have potential applications in future electronic devices and catalysts based on MoS2 nanostructures. Finally, we report a liquid-cell AFM study on the endosomal protein sorting process on the biological lipid membrane. The sorting mechanism relies on complex forming between Tom1 and the cargo sorting protein, Toll interacting protein (Tollip). The induced conformational change in Tollip triggers its dissociation from the lipid membrane and commitment to cargo trafficking. This collaborative study aims at characterizing the dynamic interaction between Tollip and the lipid membrane. To study this process we develop the liquid mode of AFM. We successfully demonstrate that Tollip is localized to the lipid membrane via association with PtdIns3P (PI(3)P), a major phospholipid in the cell membrane involved in protein trafficking. / Ph. D. / Two-dimensional (2D) materials are layered materials with thickness of single atom or few atoms. The ultimate thickness leads to novel properties that are useful for a wide range of applications in photovoltaics, electronics and quantum information. In order to explore these properties at the nanometer scale, we used scanning probe techniques, i.e., scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), to perform comprehensive investigations on these emerging materials. 2D materials, such as graphene and atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), are promising candidates for building economic, safe and mechanically flexible solar cells with desirable optical and electronic properties, e.g. tunable sunlight absorption. The first part of the thesis focuses on graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon sheet. We deposited key components in organic solar cells, such as perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and C₆₀ molecules, on graphene. On these materials we observed various novel nanostructures, like quasi-1D C₆₀ nanochains. The second part of the thesis focuses on mono- to few-layered MoS₂, which can be used as an active layer in high-efficiency solar cells. Our study has important implications in improving efficiency of organic solar cells in the future. In the final part of the thesis, we extended our subject to the biological lipid membrane, a 2D material critical in biology, and biophysical processes occurring on the membrane. Using a liquid-cell AFM, we investigated the endosomal protein sorting process on the biological membranes. Our study contributes to understanding of the interactions between the adaptor proteins and cell membranes in the protein sorting process that guides proteins to their proper destinations.

Since the discovery of graphene, substantial effort has been put toward the synthesis and production of 2D materials. Developing scalable methods for the production of high-quality exfoliated nanosheets has proved a significant challenge. To date, the most promising scalable method for achieving these materials is through the liquid-based exfoliation (LBE) of nanosheetsin solvents. Thin films of nanosheets in dispersion can be modified with additives to produce 2D inks for printed electronics using inkjet printing. This is the most promising method for the deposition of such materials onto any substrate on an industrial production level. Although well-developed metallic and organic printed electronic inks exist on the market, there is still a need to improve or develop new inks based on semiconductor materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) that are stable, have good jetting conditions and deliver good printing quality.The inertness and mechanical properties of layered materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) make them ideally suited for printed electronics and solution processing. In addition,the high electron mobility of the layered semiconductors, make them a candidate to become a high-performance semiconductor material in printed electronics. Together, these features make MoS2 a simple and robust material with good semiconducting properties that is also suitable for solution coating and printing. It is also environmentally safe.The method described in this thesis could be easily employed to exfoliate many types of 2D materials in liquids. It consists of two exfoliation steps, one based on mechanical exfoliation of the bulk powder utilizing sand paper, and the other inthe liquid dispersion, using probe sonication to liquid-exfoliate the nanosheets. The dispersions, which were prepared in surfactant solution, were decanted, and the supernatant was collected and used for printing tests performed with a Dimatix inkjetprinter. The printing test shows that it is possible to use the MoS2 dispersion as a printed electronics inkjet ink and that optimization for specific printer and substrate combinations should be performed. There should also be advances in ink development, which would improve the drop formation and break-off at the inkjet printing nozzles, the ink jetting and, consequently, the printing quality. / Sedan upptäckten av grafen har mycket arbete lagts på framställning och produktion av 2D-material. En viktig uppgift har varit att ta fram skalbara metoder för produktion av högkvalitativa  nanosheets via exfoliering. Den mest lovande skalbarametoden hittills har varit vätskebaserad exfoliering av nanosheets i lösningsmedel. Tunna filmer av nanosheets i dispersion kan anpassas med hjälp av tillsatser och användas för tillverkning av halvledare strukturer med inkjet-skrivare, vilket är den mest lovande metoden för på en industriell produktions nivå beläggaden typen av material på substrat. Även om det finns välutvecklade metalliska och organiskabläck för tryckt elektronik, så finns det fortfarande ett behov av att förbättra eller utveckla nya bläck baserade på halvledarmaterial som t.ex. TMD, som är stabila, har goda bestryknings  egenskaper och ger bra tryckkvalitet. Den inerta naturen tillsammans med de mekaniska egenskaperna som finns hosskiktade material, som t.ex. molybdendisulfid (MoS2), gör demlämpliga för flexibel elektronik och bearbetning i lösning. Dessutom gör den höga elektronmobiliteten i dessa 2D-halvledaredem till en stark kandidat som halvledarmaterial inom trycktelektronik. Det betyder att MoS2 är ett enkelt och robust material med goda halvledaregenskaper som är lämpligt för bestrykning från lösning och tryck, och är miljömässigt säker.Den metod som beskrivs här kan med fördel användas föratt exfoliera alla typer av 2D-material i lösning. Exfolieringensker i två steg; först mekanisk exfoliering av torr bulk med sandpapper, därefter används ultraljudsbehandling i lösning för att exfoliera nanosheets. De dispersioner som framställts i lösning med surfaktanter dekanterades och det övre skiktetanvändes i trycktester med en Dimatix inkjet-skrivare.Tryckprovet visar att det är möjligt att använda MoS2 -dispersion som ett inkjet-bläck och att optimering för särskildaskrivar- och substratkombinationer borde göras, såsom förbättringav bläcksammansättningen med avseende på droppbildning och break-off vid skrivarmunstycket, vilket i sin tur skulleförbättra tryckkvaliteten. / KM2 / Paper Solar Cells

The ability to convert photons into mechanical motion is of significant importance for many energy conversion and reconfigurable technologies. Establishing an optical-mechanical interface has been attempted since 1881; nevertheless, only few materials exist that can convert photons of different wavelengths into mechanical motion that is large enough for practical import. Recently, various nanomaterials including nanoparticles, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and graphene have been used as photo-thermal agents in different polymer systems and triggered using near infrared (NIR) light for photo-thermal actuation. In general, most photomechanical actuators based on sp bonded carbon namely nanotube and graphene are triggered mainly using near infra-red light and they do not exhibit wavelength selectivity. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide intriguing opportunities to develop low cost, light and wavelength tunable stimuli responsive systems that are not possible with their conventional macroscopic counterparts. Compared to graphene, which is just a layer of carbon atoms and has no bandgap, TMDs are stacks of triple layers with transition metal layer between two chalcogen layers and they also possess an intrinsic bandgap. While the atoms within the layers are chemically bonded using covalent bonds, the triple layers can be mechanically/chemically exfoliated due to weak van der Waals bonding between the layers. Due to the large optical absorption in these materials, they are already being exploited for photocatalytic, photoluminescence, photo-transistors, and solar cell applications. The large breaking strength together with large band gap and strong light- matter interaction in these materials have resulted in plethora of investigation on electronic, optical and magnetic properties of such layered ultra-thin semiconductors. This dissertation will go in depth in the synthesis, characterization, development, and application of two- dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, with an emphasis on TMDs and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), when used as photo-thermal agents in photoactuation technologies. It will present a new class of photo-thermal actuators based on TMDs and hyperelastic elastomers with large opto-mechanical energy conversion, and investigate the layer-dependent optoelectronics and light-matter interaction in these nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Different attributes of semiconductive nanoparticles will be studied through different applications, and the possibility of globally/locally engineering the bandgap of such nanomaterials, along with its consequent effect on optomechanical properties of photo thermal actuators will be investigated. Using liquid phase exfoliation in deionized water, inks based on 2D- materials will be developed, and inkjet printing of 2D materials will be utilized as an efficient method for fast fabrication of functional devices based on nanomaterials, such as paper-graphene-based photo actuators. The scalability, simplicity, biocompatibility, and fast fabrication characteristics of the inkjet printing of 2D materials along with its applicability to a variety of substrates such as plastics and papers can potentially be implemented to fabricate high-performance devices with countless applications in soft robotics, wearable technologies, flexible electronics and optoelectronics, bio- sensing, photovoltaics, artificial skins/muscles, transparent displays and photo-detectors.

We present the synthesis and characterisation of novel single organic molecules known as phenoxylene borazines and borazatruxenes. Using temperature-dependant and concentration-dependant 1H NMR, we probe the supramolecular aggregation of these molecules in solution. Finally, we synthesise 2D hybrid material comprised of electron delocalised benzene rings and electron localised borazine rings. Using a combination of solid-state 11B and 13C NMR techniques, Raman spectroscopy and XPS, we confirm the presence of benzene and borazine regions in these novel materials.

<p></p><p></p><p>The unprecedented properties of 2D materials such as graphene and MoS2 have been researched extensively [1,2] for a range of applications including nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices [3–6]. Their unique physical and electronic properties promise them as the next generation materials for electrodes and other functional units in nanostructured devices. However, successful incorporation of 2D materials into devices entails development of high resolution patterning techniques that are applicable to 2D materials. Patterning at the sub-10 nm scale is particularly of great interest as the next technology nodes require patterning of (semi)conductors and insulators at 7 nm and 5 nm scales for nanoelectronics. It will also benefit organic photovoltaic cells as phase segregation of p/n-type semiconducting polymers on 2D electrodes at length scales smaller than the typical exciton diffusion length (10 nm)</p> <p>is expected to improve the charge separation efficiency [7].</p><br><p></p><p></p><p>Characterizing locally modulated properties of non-ovalently functionalized 2D materials requires high-resolution imaging techniques capable of extracting measurements of various physical/chemical properties. One such method is scanning probe microscopy (SPM) [18–21]. In Chapter 1, we present a brief review of SPM modalities, some of which are used to characterize interfacial properties, such as conductivity and local contact potential differences that can be modulated by amphiphilic assemblies [17, 22]. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of main techniques that we use to determine topography. All imaging in this work were performed in attractive AC mode [23,24] in order to minimize disruption to the self-assembly of the amphiphiles by the scanning tip.</p><br><p></p><p></p><p>One challenge of using SAMs for locally modulated functionalization is that the proximity to the nonpolar interface can modify the behavior of the functionalities present on the surface in conjunction with the steric hindrance of 2D molecular assemblies. For instance, ionizable functional groups, one of the strongest local modulators of surface chemistry, undergo substantial pKa shifts (in some cases, > 5 units) at nonpolar interfaces, limiting their ability to ionize. In order to apply molecular assembly to create 2D chemical patterns, we needed to design alternative structures that can avoid such penalties against the intrinsic properties of functionalities present in the assemblies. Among amphiphiles, we observed that the chiral centers of phospholipids have the potential of elevating the terminal functional group in the head from the surface for improved accessibility. We refer to this type of assembly as a ’sitting’ phase. Chapter 2 describes sitting phase assembly of phospholipids; the projection of the terminal functionality allows it to maintain solution phase-like behavior while the dual alkyl tails provide additional stabilizing interactions with the substrates. Given the diversity of phospholipid architecture [25], the sitting phase assembly suggests the possibility of greatly diversifying the orthogonality of the chemical patterns, allowing highly precise control over surface functionalities.</p><br><p></p><p></p><p>While a variety of methods including drop-casting [26–28] and microcontact printing [29] have been used previously by others for noncovalent assembly of materials on the surface, they mostly address patterning scale in the sub-μm range. Here, we utilize Langmuir-Schaefer(LS) transfer, which has been historically used to transfer standing phase multilayers [30], and lying-down domains of PCDA at < 100 nm scales in the interest of molecular electronics [14, 31–33], as our sample preparation technique. LS transfer is remarkable in that the transferred molecules relinquish their pre-existing interactions in the standing phase at air-water interface to undergo ∼ 90◦ rotation and assemble into the striped phase on a substrate. This introduces the possibility of modulating local transfer rate across the substrate by manipulating local environment of the molecules. Thus, LS transfer has the potential to offer spatial control over the noncovalent chemical functionalization of the 2D substrate, essential in device applications.</p><br><p></p><p></p><p>In Chapter 3 and 4, We make comparative studies of various experimental factors such as surface pressure, temperature and molecular interactions that affect the efficiency of LS conversion. Considering the energetics of the transfer process, we predicted that the rate of transfer from the air-water interface to the substrate should be the highest from the regions around defects, which would be the energetically</p> <p>least stable regions of the Langmuir film [34, 35]. In Langmuir films, two phases of lipid assemblies—liquid expanded (LE) and liquid condensed (LC)—often coexist at the low surface pressures (< 10 mN/m) used for sample preparation. Hence, we hypothesized that the microscale structural heterogeneity of Langmuir films could be translated into microscale patterns in the transferred film on HOPG. We compare the transfer rates between LE and LC phases and investigate the impacts of physical conditions during LS transfer such as temperature, packing density, dipping rate and contact time to conclude that local destabilization of Langmuir films leads to increased transfer efficiency. (Chapter 3)</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>As in the case of lipid membranes that reorganize routinely based on the structure of the constituent molecules [36–38], the structure of Langmuir films is strongly dependent on the molecular structures of the constituent molecules [39–43]. Accordingly, we expected the molecular structures/interactions to provide additional control over the LS transfer process. In Chapter 4, we compare domain morphologies and the average coverages between three single chain amphiphiles and two phospholipids, each</p><p></p><p> </p><p>of which contain hydrogen bonding motifs of varying strengths. We show that by influencing the adsorption and diffusion rates, molecular architecture indeed influences LS conversion efficiency and subsequent assembly on the substrate. The presence of strong lateral interactions limits transfer and diffusion, forming vacancies in the transferred films with smaller domain sizes while weaker intermolecular interactions enabled high transfer efficiencies.</p><p></p><p><br></p><p></p>

This thesis, submitted to the University of Manchester, covers a range of topics related to current research in two-dimensional materials under the title: 'Investigations into the interfacial interaction of graphene with hexagonal boron nitride.'In the last decade, two-dimensional materials have become a rich source of original research and potential applications. The main advantage lies in the ability to produce novel composite structures, so-called 'layered heterostructures', which are only a few atomic layers thick. One can utilise the unique properties of several species of crystal separately, or how they interact to realise a diverse range of uses. Two such crystals are graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. Hexagonal boron nitride has, so far, been used primarily as a substrate for graphene, allowing researchers to get the most out of graphene's impressive individual properties. However, in this thesis, the non-trivial van der Waals interaction between graphene and hexagonal boron nitride is examined. The interface potential reveals itself as a relatively large-scale, orientation-dependant superlattice, which is described in chapters 1 and 2.I In Chapter 4, the effect of this superlattice is examined by measurement of its effect upon the electrons in graphene, where its modulation leads to the creation of second and third generation Dirac points, revealing Hofstadter's Butterfly. As well as an excellent example of the physics possible with graphene, it also presents a new tool with which to create novel devices possessing tailored electronic properties. II In chapter 5, the consequential effect of the superlattice potential on the structure of graphene is studied. Results are discussed within the framework of the Frenkel-Kontorova model for a chain of atoms on a static background potential. Results are consistent with relaxation of the graphene structure leading to the formation of a commensurate ground state. This has exciting consequences for the production of heterostructures by demonstrating that alignment angle can have large effects upon the physical properties of the crystals. III In chapter 6, the van der Waals potential is shown to be responsible for the self-alignment of the two crystals. This effect is important for the fabrication of perfectly aligned devices and may lead to new applications based on nanoscale motion.

Ces dernières décennies, l'urgence croissante de la crise énergétique et la prise de conscience qu'une grande partie de l'énergie utilisée dans le monde est dissipée sous forme de chaleur ont provoqué un engouement pour le développement de modules thermoélectriques performants. Ces dispositifs pourraient récupérer la chaleur provenant de procédés industriels ou d'autres sources, transformant un gradient de température en voltage grâce à l'effet Seebeck. Les matériaux thermoélectriques performants doivent posséder une faible conductivité thermique, une haute conductivité électrique et un grand coefficient Seebeck. L'optimisation simultanée de ces paramètres est un défi majeur pour la physique de la matière condensée et la science des matériaux. Dans l'optique d'améliorer les propriétés thermoélectriques de plusieurs matériaux prometteurs, nous explorons plusieurs stratégies dans lesquelles les défauts (substitutions atomiques, lacunes…), le désordre et le confinement dimensionnel jouent un rôle central. Nous réalisons des calculs en théorie de la fonctionnelle densité et des projections sur des orbitales de Wannier afin de construire des Hamiltoniens et des matrices dynamiques réalistes décrivant leur structure électronique et vibrationnelle dans l'espace réel. Ces paramètres sont ensuite utilisés pour calculer les propriétés de transport thermoélectrique en utilisant le formalisme de Kubo, l'équation de Boltzmann, le formalisme de Landauer et la méthode Chebyshev polynomial Green's function, qui permet un traitement exact du désordre. Nous étudions les propriétés de transport électronique et les performances thermoélectriques de deux matériaux prometteurs pour la production d'énergie à hautes températures, le titanate de strontium et l'oxyde de titane rutile. Nous obtenons un très bon accord entre nos prédictions et un grand nombre de données expérimentales. Nous montrons que l'augmentation du coefficient Seebeck observée dans les superlayers de titanate de strontium, jusque-là attribuée à des effets de confinement quantique, est en réalité très bien expliquée par l'hypothèse d'électrons délocalisés. Nous explorons les effets généraux des états résonant sur le transport électronique dans le cadre d'une étude modèle, et nous trouvons une augmentation d'un facteur six des performances thermoélectriques. Nous examinons ensuite le cas particulier du titanate de strontium, et nous montrons que les performances sont détruites par des effets de localisation si des atomes de Vanadium sont introduits comme impuretés résonantes. Nous étudions l'influence des défauts dans les matériaux bidimensionnels. Contrairement aux adatomes, nous montrons que les substitutions dans les dichalcogénures de métaux de transition ont pour effet de localiser les porteurs de charge. Nous étudions l'effet des lacunes sur le transport de phonons dans le graphène, et nous déterminons les taux de diffusion phonon-lacune. Nous obtenons un très bon accord entre notre théorie et des mesures de conductivité thermique dans des échantillons de graphène irradiés et de tailles finies / Over the past decades, the increasingly pressing need for clean energy sources and the realization that a huge proportion of the world energy consumption is wasted in heat have prompted great interest in developing efficient thermoelectric generation modules. These devices could harvest waste heat from industrial processes or other sources, turning a temperature gradient into a voltage through the Seebeck effect. Efficient thermoelectric materials should exhibit a low thermal conductivity, a high electrical conductivity and a high Seebeck coefficient. Simultaneously optimizing these parameters is a great challenge of condensed matter physics and materials science. With a view to enhance the thermoelectric properties of several promising materials, we explore several strategies in which defects (atomic substitutions, vacancies…), disorder and dimensional confinement play a crucial role. We perform density functional theory calculations and projections on Wannier orbitals to construct realistic Hamiltonians and dynamical matrices describing their electronic and vibrational structure in real space. These parameters are then used to compute the thermoelectric transport properties using the Kubo formalism, the Boltzmann transport equation, the Landauer formalism, and the Chebyshev polynomial Green's function method that allows for an exact treatment of disorder. We investigate the electronic transport properties and thermoelectric performances of two promising materials for high-temperature power generation, strontium titanate and rutile titanium dioxide. Comparison of our predictions with a wealth of experimental data yields a very good agreement. We show that the increase of the Seebeck coefficient observed in strontium titanate superlayers, until now attributed to quantum confinement effects, is in fact well explained assuming delocalized electrons. The general effects of resonant states on electronic transport are explored in a model study, showing a sixfold increase of the thermoelectric performances. The particular case of strontium titanate is then examined, and localization effects are shown to destroy the performances if Vanadium atoms are introduced as resonant impurities. The influence of defects in two-dimensional materials is investigated. Contrary to adatoms, substitutions in transition metal dichalcogenides are shown to localize the charge carriers. We study the effect of vacancies on phonon transport in graphene, and determine the phonon-vacancy scattering rate. Comparison with thermal conductivity data for irradiated and finite-size graphene samples yields a very good agreement between theory and experiments