Van der Waals heterostructures based on two-dimensional materials: interface physics, interlayer coupling, and multifunctional devices

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials and their van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have emerged as a powerful platform for engineering multifunctional thin-film systems with tunable electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties. By vertically or laterally integrating atomically thin layers such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, black phosphorus, MXenes, intrinsic 2D magnets, transition metal monochalcogenides, and Janus materials, these vdW heterostructures enable the combination of complementary physical properties that are difficult to achieve in individual materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the classification, synthesis, and fabrication of 2D heterostructured thin-films, with particular emphasis on interface physics and interlayer coupling mechanisms. Key phenomena including band alignment, ultrafast charge transfer, interlayer excitons, moiré superlattices, spin-orbit coupling, and magnetic proximity effects are discussed in relation to their role in determining structure-property relationships. The review further summarizes emerging device architectures based on 2D heterostructures, including optoelectronic devices, spintronic systems, neuromorphic computing platforms, sensors, and flexible electronic technologies. Finally, critical challenges associated with scalable synthesis, interface quality, environmental stability, and integration with existing semiconductor technologies are examined. A particular emphasis is placed on industrially relevant strategies, such as scalable chemical vapor deposition, direct heterostructure growth, vdW contact engineering, and machine-learning-assisted process optimization. By bridging the gap between fundamental physics and manufacturing requirements, this review provides a forward-looking roadmap for the development of reliable, scalable, and high-performance 2D heterostructure-based technologies.