Anisotropy of two-dimensional ReS2 and advances in its device application

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted growing interest regarding their potential applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Owing to their atomic thickness and tunable bandgap, they exhibit unique mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. As a specific member of the TMDC family, rhenium disulfide (ReS2) has stimulated intensive interest due to its anisotropic crystal structure, weak inter-layer coupling, and anisotropic electrical and optical properties. In this review, we summarize the distinct crystal structure and intrinsic anisotropic properties of ReS2, followed by an introduction to its synthesis methods. The current applications of ReS2 and its heterojunctions are presented based on its anisotropic properties. This review not only provides a timely summary of the current applications of ReS2 and its heterojunctions, but also inspires new approaches to develop other innovative devices based on 2D materials with a low lattice symmetry.