Germanium-based monoelemental and binary two-dimensional materials: Theoretical and experimental investigations and promising applications

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials based on group IVA elements have attracted extensive attention owing to their rich chemical structures and novel properties. This comprehensive review focuses on the phases of Ge monoelemental and binary 2D materials including germanene and its derivatives, Ge-IVA binary compounds, Ge-VA binary compounds, and Ge-VIA binary compounds. The latest progress in predictive modeling, fabrication, and fundamental and physical property modulation of their stable 2D configurations are presented. Accordingly, various interesting applications of these Ge-based 2D materials are discussed, particularly field effect transistors, photodetectors, optical devices, catalysts, energy storage devices, solar cells, thermoelectric devices, sensors, biomedical materials, and spintronic devices. Finally, this review concludes with a few perspectives and an outlook for quickly expanding the application scope Ge-based 2D materials based on recent developments. (Figure presented.).