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Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Covers emerging technologies, their scientific principles, and their transformative potential across various sectors (energy, electronics, industry, medicine), making it highly relevant for GS3 (Science & Technology).

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are materials consisting of a single layer of atoms or a few layers, exhibiting unique physical and chemical properties due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum effects. Graphene is a well-known example, and these materials hold immense potential across various technological applications.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Structure

Materials with atomic-scale thickness (single or few layers).

Properties

Exhibit unique electrical, mechanical, and optical properties due to quantum effects.

Examples

Graphene, borophene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).

Applications

Used in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, and high-performance lubricants.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaNanotechnology
Conceptual areaAdvanced Materials

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST)Researches
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Terminology-based question

Quick revision

  • Materials with single or few atomic layers.
  • Possess distinct physical & chemical properties.
  • Borophene is a key example.
  • Diverse applications: energy storage, electronics, lubrication.
  • Frontier area in materials science & nanotechnology.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ? 1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2025Factual recall, Terminology-based question

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

Science & TechnologyOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Stat...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

Science & TechnologyOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Stat...

Science & TechnologyOpen question
2023Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

GeographyOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs natural...

GeographyOpen question
2021Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Science & TechnologyOpen question

Topic timeline

NanotechnologyAdvanced Materials
Prelims 2021· Conceptual understanding, Factual recall

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs natural...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

Open question
Prelims 2025· Factual recall, Terminology-based question

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Stat...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Stat...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ? 1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated...

Open question

Borophene-based green lubricant can help save energy

22 Jul 2026 · Materials with atomic-scale thickness, unique properties, and diverse applications in advanced technologies.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials

Often confused with

Green Lubrication Technologies

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer
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