Researchers have been trying to create multi-layer graphene flakes in perfect structure. This crease van der Waals heterostructures that can behaves in new ways compared to other graphene structures. But it's difficult to create such a structure.
Researchers from China's Nankai University developed a new method that may enable such structures easily. The new process starts with graphene flakes, then carves them into a any shape desired (using a laser), and then picks them up so they can be transferred elesewhere. This may prove to be an important step towards Van der Waals heterostructures.
The new process requires manual work at every step and it cannot be used for mass production. But at this stage scientists will be happy to just produce these structures for research and developments.