Review of superconductivity in BiS2-based layered materials

•Emergence of superconductivity in BiS2-based layered materials is reviewed.•Variation of crystal structure of BiS2-based superconductors is reviewed.•Physical properties of BiS2-based layered materials are reviewed.•Prospects for increasing Tc in the BiS2 family are discussed.

In 2012, a new layered superconductor where BiS2 layer is the superconducting layer was discovered. So far, seven types of BiS2-based superconductors and two related superconductors have been discovered. In this article, the diversity of the crystal structure and the physical properties of the BiS2-based superconductors are reviewed. Furthermore, notable characteristics of superconductivity in the BiS2 family are introduced. The prospects for raising Tc in this family are proposed on the basis of experimental and theoretical studies.