Two-dimensional ferroelectric materials and their applications

Abstract Ferroelectric materials are essential for advancing energy-efficient, high-speed field-effect transistors and high-density, nonvolatile memory technologies. However, as the demand for miniaturization increases, bulk ferroelectric materials face significant challenges owing to the reduction or loss of ferroelectric polarization due to enhanced depolarization fields at reduced thicknesses. This has shifted the research focus toward low-dimensional materials, particularly two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics, which offer promising solutions. 2D ferroelectric materials are atomically thin crystalline materials, typically consisting of a single layer or a few atomic layers, exhibiting spontaneous and switchable electric polarization. This polarization can arise either from ionic displacement or from interlayer sliding and can be altered by applying an external electric field. Recent theoretical and experimental research has uncovered a broad spectrum of 2D ferroelectric materials with substantial potential for advancing next-generation ferroelectric technology. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the field of 2D ferroelectric materials, emphasizing their applications in cutting-edge technologies. Our review highlights the immense potential of 2D ferroelectric materials for enabling ultra-scaled logic, memory, and optoelectronic devices tailored for specific applications.