Advances in 2D Photodetectors: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation photodetectors due to their atomically thin nature, strong light–matter interactions, mechanical flexibility, and tunable optoelectronic properties. This review presents recent advances in 2D material-based photodetectors, focusing on high-performance devices constructed from Graphene, Transition Metal Dichalcogenide (TMDC), Black phosphorus (BP), MXenes, bismuth and antimony chalcogenides, and tin chalcogenides. Key performance metrics such as responsivity, response speed, detectivity, and mechanical stability are discussed across different spectral regions. The performance, key characteristics, and recent achievements of each of the 2D photodetectors are described in detail. Despite these achievements, challenges such as scalability, stability, and interface engineering remain. This review concludes with insights into current limitations and outlines future directions for the design and development of flexible, high-efficiency, and broadband 2D photodetectors.