A team of researchers from the Northwestern University materials science has developed a new way to view the dynamic motion of atoms in atomically thin 2D materials. Researchers believe 2D materials such as graphene and borophene have huge potential as semiconductors in advanced ultra-thin, flexible electronics. However, their thin nature makes them highly sensitive to external environments and difficult to pose long-term stability and reliability while in utilization. The new imaging technique, which sheds light on the underlying cause behind the performance failure of a widely used 2D material, could help researchers develop more durable and strong materials for the future.