“The descaling of nano-materials is fast approaching the absolute physical limit. 2-D materials like graphene have already reached it, being only one atom thick. This thickness gives them a long list of incredible properties that promise applications all over research and industry. We focus on the growth of 2-D materials using heat, gases, and a catalyst in a process called chemical vapour deposition, employing in-situ techniques to understand the growth mechanisms for further optimisation. By making the material ‘flawless’ over a large area, these amazing properties can be exploited on an industrial scale.”