The low in-plane symmetry in layered 1T’-${\mathrm{ReS}}_2$ results in strong band anisotropy, while its manifestation in the electronic properties is challenging to resolve due to the lack of effective approaches for controlling the local current path. In this work, we reveal the giant transport anisotropy in monolayer to four-layer ${\mathrm{ReS}}_2$ by creating directional conducting paths via nanoscale ferroelectric control. By reversing the polarization of a ferroelectric polymer top layer, we induce a conductivity switching ratio of $>1.5\times {10}^8$ in the ${\mathrm{ReS}}_2$ channel at 300 K. Characterizing the domain-defined conducting nanowires in an insulating background shows that the conductivity ratio between the directions along and perpendicular to the Re chain can exceed $5.5\times {10}^4$ in monolayer ${\mathrm{ReS}}_2$. Theoretical modeling points to the band origin of the transport anomaly and further reveals the emergence of a flat band in few-layer ${\mathrm{ReS}}_2$. Our work paves the path for implementing highly anisotropic 2D materials for designing novel collective phenomena and electron lensing applications.

• Received 29 December 2020
• Revised 28 May 2021
• Accepted 19 July 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.136803