Layered Metal-Organic Chalcogenides: 2D Optoelectronics in 3D Self-Assembled Semiconductors

Molecular self-assembly offers an effective and scalable way to design nanostructured materials with tunable optoelectronic properties. In the past 30 years, organic chemistry has delivered a plethora of metal-organic structures based on the combination of organic groups, chalcogens, and a broad range of metals. Among these, several layered metal-organic chalcogenides (MOCs)─including “mithrene” (AgSePh)─recently emerged as interesting platforms to host 2D physics embedded in 3D crystals. Their combination of broad tunability, easy processability, and promising optoelectronic performance is driving a renewed interest in the more general material group of “low-dimensional” hybrids. In addition, the covalent MOC lattice provides higher stability compared with polar materials in operating devices. Here, we provide a perspective on the rise of 2D MOCs in terms of their synthesis approaches, 2D quantum confined exciton physics, and potential future applications in UV and X-ray photodetection, chemical sensors, and electrocatalysis.