Two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials are a unique class of solid-state platforms, with all constituent species seated in a flatland and meanwhile fully exposed to external influences (e.g., adsorbed molecules, mechanical strain, and electromagnetic radiation). On the one hand, probing the effects of these influencing factors in 2D quantum materials can lead to the innovative development of ultrasensitive sensors. On the other hand, proactively engineering 2D quantum materials by the rational implementation of external stimuli can tailor 2D materials towards the previously inaccessible properties, thereby fundamentally expanding and reshaping the present landscape of quantum materials. In this talk, I will introduce our contributions to the scientific field of 2D quantum materials in the fundamental understanding and rational control of 2D magnets [1,2], 2D ferroelectrics [3,4], and 2D multiferroics [5,6]. Furthermore, I will briefly discuss how we leverage the “wonder materials” to develop disruptive sensor technologies [7] in both civil and defense domains, including safeguarding food security, aircraft positioning, and early detection of diseases. 

1. C. Gong et al., Nature 546, 265-269 (2017).
2. C. Gong et al., Science 363, eaav4450 (2019).
3. Q. Wang et al., Matter 5, 4425-4436 (2022).
4. Q. Wang et al., Materials Science and Engineering: B 283, 115829 (2022).
5. C. Gong et al., Nature Communications 10, 2657 (2019).
6. S. Liang et al., Nature Electronics 6, 199-205 (2023).
7. T. Xie et al., Applied Physics Letters 119, 013104 (2021).