Graphene research at KBSU: continuing the tradition of Nobel discoveries
Promising work on the study of graphene is being carried out at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. The study of the properties of this material is carried out by Zeytun Akhmatov, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, senior researcher at the joint laboratory of KBSU and the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences «Astrophysics and Cosmic Ray Physics». His scientific activity is aimed at revealing new possibilities for the use of graphene in the field of micro- and nanoelectronics. These studies allow the university to take a worthy place among the leading scientific centers of Russia in this field.
«Graphene, which is a single-atom layer of carbon, is today recognized as one of the most promising materials in science and industry. Its unique properties open up new horizons for a technological breakthrough. It is capable of radically changing entire industries — from microelectronics to environmental technologies. Our research allows us to closely approach the problem of using graphene as a new material for high-speed and energy-saving electronics, spintronics and quantum computing,” — notes Zeytun Akhmatov.
The scientist’s studies of the electronic, dynamic and capillary properties of graphene and graphene-like structures are of particular importance. He proposed methods for obtaining a forbidden zone in bilayer graphene, increasing the spin-orbit interaction and surface energy of graphene. The latter method allows controlling the wettability of the graphene surface, which opens up the possibility of using layered carbon materials in micro- and nanoelectronics.
The results of the young scientist’s research are regularly published in leading international and Russian scientific journals, including such prestigious journals as Carbon and JETP Letters. Carbon is one of the most authoritative and highly rated scientific journals publishing cutting-edge scientific achievements in the field of carbon materials, with an Impact Factor of 10.5 and the first quartile of Q1.
«Publishing in a journal like Carbon is not only recognition of the level of our research, but also an opportunity to contribute to world science. We strive to ensure that our developments find practical application in industry,» — the scientist emphasizes.
The scientist’s research is of particular importance for Kabardino-Balkaria and the university. In 2022, Zeytun Akhmatov’s scientific achievements were recognized with a grant from the President of the Russian Federation. In addition, he is the winner of the grant competition of the International Innovation Center for Nanotechnology of the CIS and the head of the RSF grant. A unique scientific infrastructure is currently being created in the Astrophysics and Physics of Cosmic Rays laboratory, where this research is carried out. The scientist actively involves students and postgraduates in research activities, contributing to the training of highly qualified personnel for the region.
Zeitun Akhmatov’s research in the field of graphene complements the work of Russian colleagues in this field, contributing to overall progress in research.