Spotlight: Dmitriy Poteryayev – investigating the intersection between nanotechnology and machine learning

How did you first start working with graphene/2D materials?
I started working with graphene during the third year of my bachelor's degree in Russia, when my scientific training began. I chose the research line of Irina Antonova at the Rzchanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics (SB RAS) because I was captivated by the field of 2D materials. It felt exciting and new to work on.

Why are you excited to work on 2D materials?
I am driven by the novelty of the field and its massive potential impact on the semiconductor industry and beyond. 

Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career so far?
I would like to gratefully mention Professor Irina Antonova, who supervised my path during my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Currently, during my PhD in Pisa, Italy, I am thankful for the immense support of Camilla Coletti and Antonio Rossi, who guide me through my current research challenges.

How did you first become interested in your current research project?
My current research is at the intersection of the nanotechnology and machine learning / AI. In my opinion the most impactful results come from the field’s intersection as in my case. I find this synergy to be the most exciting part.

What is your current research goal?
Currently, our team is working on several projects involving AI, specifically AI-assisted growth optimisation of various materials and characterisation via Raman spectroscopy. Our AI models allow us to reveal weak material signals in regions where they overlap with strong substrate contributions. We recently published an article on this, which was a significant milestone as the first co-authored paper of my PhD [https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.04445].

The overall goal for us is to approach scalability and consistency of material synthesis using reliable feedback from characterisation. We want to reach wafer-scale, high-quality graphene as well as other 2D materials.

Why do you feel your research is important, and what benefits could it bring to society?
I feel the importance of my research is in the way that it can change the game rules for the field once the long-standing scalability problem is solved. It can affect the way semiconductor devices are being made. It is hard to predict the full extent of the impact, but I am certain it will transform our everyday lives.

As an early career researcher, where do you see your field going?
I guess the overall tendency will be in favour of quantum computation using new device design involving novel 2D materials. But quantum operations would be impossible without the proper devices, which design requires solid material basis.

It’s like building a house: one cannot build a wall without bricks. So, closing this gap is the essential step towards tomorrow.

What do you enjoy the most in your career path?
Working a lot with the code, studying every day about AI, seeing how it may change the lab work. I also like to discuss ideas and thoughts with my colleagues, trying to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Do you have a favourite anecdote or moment from your research journey?
I feel very nice in those moments when the thing I need to work is finally working exactly in the way I want it to be. It feels like a relief. That’s why I like to work on consistency and reliability, because there is no better feeling, when it finally just works, and from now on it will work.

For example, I had this task of data processing where I needed to build a pipeline for the data to be ready to be used by model in AI training process. I worked on it for at least a week—honestly, my psyche might have erased the memory of exactly how long because it was so tough! But the feeling of relief and satisfaction when everything finally tuned correctly was indescribable. I love working on consistency and reliability because there is no better feeling than when it “just works”.

What is the most challenging part of your current work?
As is often the case, the most challenging part is the one you get the most joy out of once it’s done. 

If you could work on any dream project involving graphene/2D materials, what would it be?
I would like to work on the industrial level application of graphene/2D materials. To make ICs with electronic elements based on them. To be involved in large-scale production, as I always like to see the immediate impact of my work. 

What are your plans for the future?
I’m open-minded for my future. I think there are different ways, and I would like to explore more of each.

Tell us about your experience at Graphene Week 2025. How was this event for you?
My experience at Graphene Week 2025 is breathtaking. High level organisation, relevant talks, so many incredible people I’ve met. I’m glad I got the opportunity to be part of this big and warm community.

How did you feel about winning the Graphene Week Poster Award?
Honestly, deep down I had a gut feeling that I might win, but when it actually happened, I couldn't believe it. I am confident in my results, but there were others who put in just as much, if not more, effort. I’m glad the organisers divided the poster session into two days; otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to meet so many interesting people and see their research!