Functional Heterointerfaces of Quantum Materials by Design

The concept of ‘Quantum Materials’, of which the physical properties are beyond a simple description of the laws of classical physics, has been gaining widespread attention across various disciplines in recent years.[1] This area of research encompasses a broad range of materials, including but not limited to two-dimensional materials, unconventional superconductors, multiferroics, complex oxide interfaces and topological quantum materials.[2] As a result, the research of quantum materials provides a vivid platform that brings both scientists and engineers to explore the frontiers of materials science and applications. To fully realize the potential of those quantum materials, it is essential to design them on demand. Fortunately, due to the rapid development of modern techniques, the design strategy of quantum materials has become highly sophisticated and efficient.[3-5] Approaches that are associated with dimensional confinement, doping, strain, interface engineering and electrical gating are all applicable to the design of quantum materials. Based on their strongly correlated degrees of freedom, the designed heterointerfaces between quantum materials are expected to have great application potentials in various fields, as sketched in Figure 1. Therefore, there is an urgent need for timely reports on connecting the designs and applications of quantum material interfaces.