Concepedia

Photodetectors Based on Two‐Dimensional Layered Materials Beyond Graphene

Chao Xie, Chun‐Hin Mak, Xiaoming Tao, Feng Yan

Advanced Functional Materials · 2016 · 697 citations · 293 references

Open access

TL;DR

Two‑dimensional layered materials beyond graphene have attracted growing interest due to their unique structures and distinct physical properties, enabling novel electronic and optoelectronic devices. This review surveys the use of 2D‑layered semiconductors as photodetectors—photoconductors, phototransistors, and photodiodes—over the past five years and outlines future development directions. The authors systematically discuss device designs, operational mechanisms, performance metrics, and emerging light‑matter interaction techniques that enhance photodetector performance. The review concludes with a summary and outlook that provides guidelines for advancing the rapidly growing field of 2D‑material photodetectors.

Abstract

Following a significant number of graphene studies, other two‐dimensional (2D) layered materials have attracted more and more interest for their unique structures and distinct physical properties, which has opened a window for realizing novel electronic or optoelectronic devices. Here, we present a comprehensive review on the applications of 2D‐layered semiconductors as photodetectors, including photoconductors, phototransistors, and photodiodes, reported in the past five years. The device designs, mechanisms, and performances of the photodetectors are introduced and discussed systematically. Emerging techniques to improve device performances by enhancing light‐matter interactions are addressed as well. Finally, we deliver a summary and outlook to provide a guideline of the future development of this rapidly growing field.