Strain of 2D materials via substrate engineering

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have received extensive attention in the fields of electronics, optoelectronics, and magnetic devices attributed to their unique electronic structures and physical properties. The application of strain is a simple and effective strategy to change the lattice structure of 2D materials thus modulating their physical properties, which further facilitate their applications in carrier mobility transistor, magnetic sensor, single-photon emitter etc. In this short review, we focus on the strain applied via substrate engineering. Firstly, the relationship between the strain and physical properties has been summarized. Secondly, the methods for achieving substrate engineering-induced strain have been demonstrated. Finally, the latest applications of strained 2D materials have been introduced. In addition, the future challenges and development prospects of strain-modulated 2D materials have also been proposed.