Two-dimensional heterostructures based on graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides: Synthesis, transfer and applications

Abstract

With the discovery of graphene in 2004, other two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, such as, boron nitride, black phosphorus, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), etc., have attracted worldwide research interests. In particular, TMDCs have attracted much attention in virtue of their tunable bandgaps and excellent properties. The construction of heterostructures based on graphene and TMDCs is an important strategy to tailor their electronic structures, which has opened up a new era for the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. According to the combination of different 2D heterostructures, they can be divided into two categories: lateral heterostructures and vertical heterostructures. Considering 2D materials are usually grown on specific substrates (e.g. Cu foils), developing cost-effective and eco-friendly transfer methods without degrading their performance is very crucial. In this review article, we summarize the synthesis strategies of 2D heterostructures and discuss the key experimental parameters for their growth, including growth temperature, growth time, and the addition of halide and water. Then, we summarize the transfer methods with respect to different growth substrates. Also, the applications of 2D heterostructures in the field of electronic and optoelectronic devices are briefly introduced. Finally, the challenges ahead for research on 2D heterostructures are proposed.