A surface acoustic wave (SAW) device and methods of making the same are disclosed. The surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric layer coupled to a high acoustic velocity layer at a first surface of the piezoelectric layer. At least one transducer is provided over a second surface of the piezoelectric layer. The at least one transducer comprises a plurality of IDT electrodes that are formed from a substantially two-dimensional (2D) conductive material and configured to propagate a surface acoustic wave having an operating wavelength along the piezoelectric layer.