Photoelectronic properties and devices of 2D Xenes

•The structure and properties of different kinds of 2D Xenes are presented.•The synthesis methods of 2D Xenes are summarized, including bottom-up and top-down approaches.•The photoelectronic properties of 2D Xenes is described, and some devices based on 2D Xenes are listed.•It provides an outlook of direction, challenges, and opportunities for future research on devices based on 2D Xenes.