Synthesis, properties, and applications of 2D amorphous inorganic materials

In the last decade, the research on two-dimensional (2D) materials has drawn a lot of interest from the aspects of both fundamental study and practical application. The atomic-scale thickness and unique layered structure make the materials in this family exhibit a number of distinct optical and electrical properties from their bulk counterparts. Previous studies have mainly focused on the crystalline 2D candidates. Recently, the highly disordered form of 2D materials, such as amorphous 2D materials, is emerging to attract increasing attention since it has shown great potential for applications in various fields. Here, we give a perspective on the recent progress in 2D amorphous inorganic materials. First, the synthesis techniques and process of 2D amorphous materials and their hybrid structure are given. Furthermore, the intriguing properties and applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and energy fields from typical 2D amorphous inorganic materials, including amorphous graphene, amorphous molybdenum disulfide, amorphous boron nitride, and amorphous black phosphorus, are introduced. Furthermore, the advantages and mechanisms of 2D amorphous materials are illustrated, pointing out the application scope of this material group. Finally, the underlying challenges of amorphous inorganic 2D materials are briefly outlined and some future outlooks are suggested. Published under license by AIP Publishing.