Two-dimensional materials applied for room-temperature thermoelectric photodetectors

Abstract

Due to the practical demand in many fields, room-temperature photodetectors in mid/long-wavelength and terahertz ranges have attracted much attention. Photothermoelectric (PTE) detectors based on photothermal conversion and thermoelectric effect can realize ultra-broadband detection of a photon without external bias. In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials open up revolutionary opportunities in rapid and sensitive photodetection by virtue of their remarkable electronic and optical properties. Here, we provide a brief review of state-of-the-art photodetectors based on PTE effect and 2D materials. It is worth noting that emerging PTE detectors based on 2D materials, including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), black phosphorus (BP) and MXenes, are proposed systematically. Next, we will discuss the existing challenges and prospects in PTE detectors, followed by a conclusion of this review.

Keywords

• photodetectors
• novel materials
• optical devices