Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Properties Enhanced by Nano- and Micro-Scale Shape Control

Abstract

The outstanding properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) make them ideal candidates for a wide range of applications in nanotechnology. Beyond their flat 2D nature, reshaping TMD structures in three-dimensional (3D) space further demonstrates their exceptional versatility and reconfigurability. Indeed, manipulating the shape of TMDs by applying strain, patterning, or conformal growth on substrates enables precise control over their properties. In this review, we introduce the concept of “shape control” as a unifying framework that encompasses diverse strategies, such as controlled synthesis, strain and phase engineering, wrinkling, and nanopatterning, which are linked by their common impact on the morphology of TMDs across multiple length scales. By modifying the shape of TMDs, these approaches enable tailored property modulation, opening new opportunities in electronics, photonics, energy conversion, sensing, and beyond. We critically assess the most relevant methodologies, discuss their underlying mechanisms, and highlight the challenges and prospects for advancing shape-engineered TMDs toward their full technological potential.