We propose that the crystallinity of two-dimensional (2D) materials is a crucial factor for achieving highly effective work function (WF) modification. A crystalline 2D MoO3 monolayer enhances substrate WF up to 6.4 eV for thicknesses as low as 0.7 nm. Such a high WF makes 2D MoO3 a great candidate for tuning properties of anode materials and for the future design of organic electronic devices, where accurate evaluation of the WF is crucial. We provide a detailed investigation of WF of 2D α-MoO3 directly grown on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). This study underlines the importance of a controlled environment and the resulting crystallinity to achieve high WF in MoO3. UPS is proved to be suitable for determining higher WF attributed to 2D islands on a substrate with lower WF, yet only in particular cases of sufficient coverage. KPFM remains a method of choice for nanoscale investigations, especially when conducted under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Our experimental results are supported by density functional theory calculations of electrostatic potential, which indicate that oxygen vacancies result in anisotropy of WF at the sides of the MoO3 monolayer. These novel insights into the electronic properties of 2D-MoO3 are promising for the design of electronic devices with high WF monolayer films, preserving the transparency and flexibility of the systems.

Laparoscopy has gained wide acceptance due its benefits for patients. However, advanced laparoscopic procedures are still challenging. One critical issue is lack of stereoscopic vision. Despite its diffusion, the totally laparoscopic approach for right hemicolectomy (TLRC) is still debated due to its difficulty, particularly for fashioning of the ileocolic anastomosis. The aim of this multicenter study is to investigate whether 3D vision offers any advantages on surgical performance over 2D vision during TLRC. All data of consecutive patients who underwent elective TLRC for cancer at three Italian surgical centers with either 2D or 3D technology from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrieved from a computer-maintained database. A case-matched analysis using the Mantel-Haenszel method was performed. After matching, a total of 106 patients were analyzed with 53 patients in each group. Mean operative time was significantly longer for 2D-TLRC than for 3D-TLRC (153.2 ± 52.4 vs. 131 ± 51 min, p = 0.029) and a statistically significant difference in anastomosing time (p = 0.032, 19.2 ± 5.9 min vs. 21.7 ± 6.2 min for 3D and 2D group, respectively) was also recorded. No difference in the median number of harvested nodes (23 ± 11 vs. 21 ± 7 for 3D and 2D group, respectively; p = 0.48) was found. Neither intraoperative complications nor conversions occurred in the two groups. In conclusion, 3D vision appears to improve the performance of a TLRC by reducing operative time and making intracorporeal anastomosis easier. Prospective randomized studies are required to determine the real beneficial effects.