Lifting the mist of flatland: The recent progress in the characterizations of two-dimensional materials

In the great adventure of two-dimensional (2D) materials, the characterization techniques are the lighthouse to guide the investigators across heavy mist and submerged reef. In this review, we highlight the recent achievements in the characterization of the 2D materials. Firstly, the methods to identify the fundamental properties of the 2D materials are introduced. Then, the specific characterization techniques for analyzing electric, optical and chemical properties are summarized with regards to their corresponding fields of applications. It should also be noted that a big challenge remains in the characterizations of the 2D materials in the hybrid or composite and wide acceptance of the characterization standards need to be established to further promote the industrialization of 2D materials in the near future.