A review of two-dimensional inorganic materials: Types, properties, and their optoelectronic applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted much research attention in the last ten years, resulting in significant advancements in their theoretical and technical understanding. Since the successful fabrication of 2D graphene, various types of graphene-like 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), metal carbides or nitrides (MXenes), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and halide perovskites, have drawn significant attention and developed into the most promising semiconductor materials in the area of optoelectronic devices. Recently, several studies have been reported indicating the exciting optoelectronic properties of these 2D materials. In this review, the properties and applications of different 2D materials, including TMDCs, halide perovskites, and MXenes, are discussed briefly. Firstly, the basic properties of these 2D materials, particularly those pertaining to optoelectronic properties, are described. Then, the most recent studies on 2D-based optoelectronic applications, such as solar cells, photodetectors, and LEDs, are studied. The conclusion provides some viewpoints on the current challenges and potential future applications of these 2D materials. This article provides a comprehensive, authoritative, critical, and accessible review of general interest to the materials science research community, including beginners and experts. Its comprehensive approach, mechanistic insights, real-world applications, and relevance to materials science justify its value as an authoritative and accessible resource.