Two-dimensional (2D) layered van der Waals (vdW) ferroics (e.g., ferromagnets [1,2] and ferroelectrics [3]) are atomic-thin crystalline flatlands with long-range ferroic order. Given that these functional materials are mechanically flexible, optically transparent, and electrically tunable, their properties are highly tailorable by external stimuli, leading to numerous new physical phenomena and novel device functionalities. In this talk, I will start off by discussing our recent breakthrough in high-efficiency optical control of 2D magnets [4] and continue to introduce electrical control of 2D magnets: specifically, our 2D multiferroic heterostructures [5-8] work may unlock tantalizing prospects in energy-efficient spintronics. Next, I will explain the high-performance vdW ferroelectric tunnel junctions we have developed in recent years. Finally, I will end the talk with a brief introduction to our 2D sensors for food safety guarding, early diagnosis of disease, and electromagnetic field detection. Hopefully the audience will be convinced that 2D ferroic and multiferroic materials and devices constitute largely uncharted territories, with a broad range of exotic quantum material physics and new device concepts emerging.  

1. C. Gong et al. Nature 546, 265–269 (2017).
2. C. Gong, X. Zhang. Science 363, eaav4450 (2019).
3. Q. Wang, et al. Matter 5, 4425-4436 (2022).
4. T. Xie, et al. Nature Physics 21, 1118–1124 (2025).
5. C. Gong, et al. Nature Communications 10, 2657 (2019).
6. S. Liang, et al. Nature Electronics 6, 199–205 (2023).
7. S. Liang, et al. Nature Electronics 9, 23–32 (2026).
8. T. Xie, et al. Nature Nanotechnology 21, 366–373 (2026).

Bio: Prof. Cheng Gong joined the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at University of Maryland, College Park as an Assistant Professor in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2024. His research focuses on 2D quantum materials and devices. He is a recipient of the IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Semiconductor Physics 2020. In 2022, Prof. Gong won UMD’s top recognition “Invention of the Year”, American Chemical Society’s “Maryland Chemist of the Year”, and “Governor’s Citation” from Governor Hogan’s office. Prof. Gong is a recipient of NSF CAREER Award in 2024.