2D organic semiconductors, the future of green nanotechnology

Abstract The discovery of 2D organic semiconductors of atomically thin structures has attracted great attention due to their emerging optical, electronic, optoelectronic and mechatronic properties. Recent progress in such organic nanostructures has opened new opportunities for engineering material properties in many ways, such as, 0D/1D/2D nanoparticles hybridization, strain engineering, atomic doping etc. Moreover, 2D organic nanostructures exhibit a unique feature of bio–functionality and are highly sensitive to bio-analytes. Such peculiar behavior in 2D organics can be utilized to design highly-efficient bio-sensors. Also, a bio-molecular integrated electronic/optoelectronic device with enhanced performance can be attained. Furthermore, the bio-degradable, biocompatible, bio-metabolizable, non-toxic behaviour and natural origin of organic nanomaterials can address the current ecological concerns of increasing inorganic material based electronic waste. This review highlights the benefits of 2D organic semiconductors. Considering the importance of strategic techniques for growing thin 2D organic layers, this review summarizes progress towards this direction. The possible challenges for long-time stability and future research directions in 2D organic nano electronics/optoelectronics are also discussed. We believe that this review article provides immense research interests in organic 2D nanotechnology for exploiting green technologies in the future.