Recent Trends in Two-Dimensional Transition Metal-Tellurides and Their Applications

Transition metal tellurides (TMT) form an exciting family of chalcogenides that offer a wide range of functionalities and tunability. Within this class of materials, two-dimensional (2D) TMTs are significantly more chemically stable compared to their analogous chalcogenides, e.g., 2D sulphides and selenides, making them attractive both for fundamental research and applications. This Review attempts to capture recent advances in 2D TMTs. The initial section provides an overview of potential properties offered by these low-dimensional materials. We then discuss recent and some of the most advanced synthesis techniques for producing 2D TMT at a large scale for industrial applications. We highlight how thickness-dependent magnetic modifications, strain-induced property-tuning and temperature impact both fabrication as well as properties of 2D TMTs. Focusing on these tunable physicochemical properties, a range of devices and functionalities are then presented. Properties influenced by long-range ordering such as ferromagnetism and/or superconductivity and propositions for overcoming fundamental and application challenges are discussed. The final section of the article describes advanced device application of these tunable properties.