Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Telluride (MoTe₂): Synthetic Strategies, Physical Properties, and Future Perspectives

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe₂) has attracted extensive attention in the development of ultra-compact electronic and optoelectronic devices due to its compelling two-dimensional (2D) layered structure and unique physical properties that are absent in its bulk counterparts. This article reviews the properties, synthesis methods, and applications of MoTe₂. The review briefly outlines the structure of MoTe₂ and its typical characteristics, including phase transitions, optoelectronic properties, structural stability, ferromagnetism, and moiré properties. Various preparation methods for 2D MoTe₂, such as exfoliation, phase engineering, deposition techniques, hydrothermal synthesis, and molecular beam epitaxy, are described in detail. Subsequently, the applications of MoTe₂ in fields including catalysis, field-effect transistors, artificial synaptic devices, optoelectronic devices, and spintronic devices are introduced. Finally, perspectives on future research directions and accompanying challenges are presented. Achieving high-quality, wafer-scale 2D growth of MoTe₂ is expected to make this material an ideal candidate for phase engineering and novel near-infrared photonics and optoelectronics.