Black Phosphorus Properties

The allotrope of phosphorus known as black phosphorus (BP) is one of the most stable allotropes among the three allotropes of phosphorus when heated to high temperatures and under high pressure. It has a new two-dimensional layered structure, which was first prepared by Bridgman in 1914, and it is a new two-dimensional layered structure. Due to their various superior properties, such as tunable and direct/narrow band gaps, high carrier mobility, large specific surface area, photothermal property, biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as many interesting in-layer anisotropies, BP has recently become a vital field of interest in the growing two-dimensional material family, single- or few-layered, and has attracted considerable attention on applications in energy conversion and stoichiometric analysis. Research on electrochemical energy storage technologies such as supercapacitors and batteries such as lithium/sodium ion batteries, in particular, are becoming more prevalent. This chapter provides an overview of the structure and fundamental features of BP, as well as a few preparation methods.

In the element phosphorus, black phosphorus is an allotrope composed of several layers with two-dimensional structures that are weakly connected to one another by van der Waals forces. Phosphorene is the name given to the monolayer (or few-layer) substance that results from the separation of phosphorus. This material is currently attracting a lot of attention from the scientific community because of its unique properties and substantial promise in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics.

In most cases, black phosphorus powder is utilized to prepare black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and nano-platelets through the process of liquid exfoliation (assisted by sonication). Moreover, due to the purity of the powdered form, it can also be employed in chemical vapor deposition to produce high-quality, atomically thin films.

Discovery

Percy W Bridgman was the first to synthesize black phosphorus in 1914, when he heated white phosphorus under extremely high pressure. It is the most stable known allotrope of phosphorus and is composed of 2-dimensional layers of phosphorus (referred to as ‘phosphorene’) in the same way that graphite is composed of many layers of graphene. It is the most stable known allotrope of phosphorus.

Despite having been mostly ignored for more than a century, the current renaissance in 2D materials research has resulted in black phosphorus being given a second chance. It was only in 2014 that the individual phosphorene monolayers were first isolated and analyzed; since then, study into the unique features of black phosphorus and the wide variety of prospective applications for this element has continued.

Alpha black phosphorus

This is the most stable allotrope of black phosphorus and is an allotrope of the element black phosphorus (alpha black phosphorus). This substance is formed when red phosphorus is heated to 803 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, alpha black phosphorus is a nonconductor of electrical current. This substance has an opaque appearance. Monoclinic or rhombohedral crystal systems are used to describe the crystal system.

Beta Black Phosphorus 

A beta allotrope of black phosphorus exists, and it is less stable than the alpha allotrope of black phosphorus. When we heat white phosphorus to 473 degrees Celsius, this substance forms. When it comes to the structure of this compound, it is made up of corrugated sheets of phosphorus that are piled together to form a crystalline structure. Furthermore, beta black phosphorus has the ability to conduct electricity.

Difference between Alpha and Beta Black Phosphorus

This is the most stable allotrope of black phosphorus and is an allotrope of the element black phosphorus (alpha black phosphorus). For its part, beta black phosphorus, which exists as a sub allotrope of black phosphorus, has been found to be less stable than its alpha allotrope counterpart. As a result, the most significant distinction between alpha and beta black phosphorus is that alpha black phosphorus is more stable than beta black phosphorus in terms of stability. Furthermore, when we heat red phosphorus to 803 degrees Celsius, alpha black phosphorus forms, and when we heat white phosphorus to 473 degrees Celsius, beta black phosphorus forms. One more significant distinction between beta black phosphorus and alpha black phosphorus is their electrical conductivity; alpha black phosphorus is incapable of conducting electricity, but beta black phosphorus is capable of conducting electricity.

Black Phosphorus Has a Variety of Uses

The use of black phosphorus and black phosphorus quantum dots (which are produced through the processing of black phosphorus crystals or powder) for a variety of applications is becoming increasingly popular. Examples include:

•Field-effect transistors

•Electronic devices

•Photodetectors

•Photovoltaics and solar cells

•Gas sensors

•Energy storage

•Battery electrodes

•Thermoelectric applications

•Flexible memory devices

•LEDs

•OPVs

•Photodetectors

•Supercapacitors

•Superconductors

Conclusion

The allotrope of phosphorus known as black phosphorus (BP) is one of the most stable allotropes among the three allotropes of phosphorus when heated to high temperatures and under high pressure. It has a new two-dimensional layered structure.In the element phosphorus, black phosphorus is an allotrope composed of several layers with two-dimensional structures that are weakly connected to one another by van der Waals forces.Phosphorene is the name given to the monolayer (or few-layer) substance that results from the separation of phosphorus.This is the most stable allotrope of black phosphorus and is an allotrope of the element black phosphorus (alpha black phosphorus).A beta allotrope of black phosphorous exists, and it is less stable than the alpha allotrope of black phosphorus.The use of black phosphorus and black phosphorus quantum dots (which are produced through the processing of black phosphorus crystals or powder) for a variety of applications is becoming increasingly popular.