Device engineering of monolayer-based electronics

Monolayer-based electronics have emerged as a promising solution that solves the limitations of miniaturization in microelectronic circuits and paves the way for advanced electronic performance applications. Over the past few years, there have been significant advances in monolayer-based electronics from the refinement of fabrication techniques to the elucidation of fundamental mechanisms and the achievement of sophisticated electronic functionalities. In this review, we provide a timely, systematic overview of monolayer-based electronics, covering the preparation processes, charge transport mechanisms, thermoelectric effect, performance regulations, and functional applications. We also offer a detailed summary of devices that leverage either horizontal charge transport or vertical tunneling, along with their respective applications. Furthermore, we delve into the opportunities and challenges inherent in the realm of monolayer- or even single-molecule-based electronics, emphasizing potential breakthroughs that could revolutionize this swiftly evolving domain. Our review aims to provide a broad understanding of monolayer-based electronics and to inspire further research on their practical applications.