Influence of Built-in Electric Fields on the Optoelectronic and Catalytic Properties of Two-Dimensional Materials

Abstract: In the realm of modern materials science and advanced electronics, ferroelectric materials have emerged as a subject of great intrigue and significance, chiefly due to their remarkable property of reversible spontaneous polarization. This unique characteristic is not just an interesting physical phenomenon; it plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing multiple technological applications, especially in the domains of high-density data storage and the pursuit of fast device operation. In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of investigations and commercial applications proposed for ferroelectric materials. With the continuous miniaturization of electronic devices and the rapid development of two-dimensional (2D) materials, considerable efforts have been made towards exploring ferroelectricity in 2D materials, driven by the potential for revolutionary advancements in energy storage, data processing, and other emerging technologies. This exploration is fueled by the realization that 2D ferroelectric materials could offer unique properties such as high energy density, fast switching speeds, and scalability, which are crucial for the next generation of electronic devices. The out-of-plane (OOP) ferroelectricity exhibited by these 2D materials is generally more advantageous than the in-plane ferroelectricity, primarily because the vertical polarizability aligns more seamlessly with the requirements of most practical technological applications