Luminescence in 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures

Abstract

Due to the isolation and fabrication of a rapidly increasing number of 2D materials, extensive attention is drawn to investigate 2D materials for scientific and technological studies as well as potential applications. In recent years, a series of significant and fascinating properties have been found and further modified in graphene and graphene-like 2D layered materials. Among them, luminescence is one of the important investigation aspects, which is relevant to the unique structural, carrier transport, photonic, and optoelectronic properties of 2D materials. Herein, a general overview of recent advances of luminescence in 2D systems, including 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures, is given. This review article provides an insight into the mechanism of luminescence and the luminescent characterizations and performance as well as the methods employed to modulate the luminescence behaviors of 2D systems. A number of recent works are introduced to specifically describe the new developments of photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and nonlinear optics in 2D materials. Then, the applications of luminescence in 2D systems are discussed in terms of optoelectronics and biological fields. By summarizing the importance of luminescence in 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures, the challenges and opportunities for future investigation and applications are highlighted.