Two-dimensional (2D) material has atomic smooth surface, nano-scale thickness and ultra-high specific surface area, which is an important platform for studying the interface interaction between metal nanoparticles (NPs) and 2D materials, and also for observing the surface atomic migration, structural evolution and aggregation of metal NPs in real time and in situ. By rationally designing and constructing the interfaces of metal NPs and 2D materials, the characterization of the interface structure on an atomic scale is very important in revealing the structure-property relationship. It is expected that the investigation is helpful in understanding the mechanism of interaction between metal and 2D materials and optimizing the performance of the devices based on metal-2D material heterojunctions.

In this review, the recent progress of interface modulation and physical properties of the heterostructure of metal NPs and 2D materials are summarized. The nucleation, growth, structural evolution and characterization of metal NPs on the surface of 2D materials are reviewed. The effects of metal NPs on the crystal structure, electronic state and energy band of 2D materials are analyzed. The possible interfacial strain and interfacial reaction are also included. Because of the modulation of electrical and optical properties of 2D materials, the performance of metal NPs-2D material based field effect transistor devices and optoelectronic devices are improved. This review is helpful in clarifying the physical mechanism of microstructure affecting the properties of metal NPs-2D material heterostructures on an atomic scale, and also in developing the metal-2D material heterostructures and their applications in the fields of electronic devices, photoelectric devices, energy devices, etc.