Emerging Multi-functional Delafossite Materials: Frontier Advances and Prospective Breakthroughs in Photoelectronic Applications

Abstract

ABO2-type delafossites, distinguished by their layered crystal structure, tunable photoelectronic properties, and environmental compatibility, represent a pivotal class of materials for advancing photoelectronic technologies. This review comprehensively examines frontier progress in this field. It highlights the fundamental structural attributes underpinning delafossite multifunctionality, particularly the exploitation of emergent quantum phenomena (e.g., ultrahigh conductivity, multiferroicity, topological states) enabling unprecedented functionalities. The core focus is on mapping the panoramic landscape of photoelectronic applications spanning the entire technology chain: from foundational components (transparent electrodes, charge transport layers) and energy conversion materials (photovailics, photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, thermoelectrics) to high-performance photodetectors/sensors, luminescent/display, photonic information, flexible/wearable electronics, and cutting-edge integrated/quantum photonic devices. This review synthesizes key performance enhancement strategies driving breakthroughs: advanced material modifications (morphology, phase, defect, interface, entropy engineering), novel material discovery accelerated by computational design, and harnessing quantum effects coupled with external-fields synergy. The inherent sustainability advantages of earth-abundant constituents and synergistic integration potential are contextualized within global goals. Consolidating the latest advances, this review identifies critical research gaps and outlines compelling future directions to overcome bottlenecks, providing a roadmap for accelerating high-performance, multifunctional delafossite-based photoelectronics.