Thin-Film Transistors Based on Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

While graphene is a scientifically and technologically interesting nanomaterial for a variety of applications, the semimetallic nature of graphene severely limits its application in transistors. Recently, a rapidly expanding interest has been given to transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2, which have layered crystal structures with a bandgap. The intriguing electrical and optoelectronic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides offer attractive possibilities for many potential applications. In this chapter, we review the historical development and recent progress of thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on MoS2 crystals as MoS2 has been the most extensively investigated transition metal dichalcogenide. In particular, we discuss the materials properties of MoS2, single-layer and multilayer MoS2 transistors, and challenges for MoS2 transistors in electronic and optoelectronic applications.