Semiconducting black phosphorus: synthesis, transport properties and electronic applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Solid State Chemistry

Background:

• Phosphorus exists in various allotropes, including white, red, and black phosphorus.
• Black phosphorus is a layered semiconductor with significant potential for electronic and optical applications.
• Phosphorene, a single atomic layer of black phosphorus, exhibits unique physical properties distinct from its bulk form.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical research on black phosphorus, spanning over a century.
• To explore the transition from black phosphorus to phosphorene.
• To highlight the physical and transport properties of phosphorene for advanced applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical synthesis and material properties of black phosphorus.
• Analysis of the structural transformation from black phosphorus to phosphorene.
• Compilation of physical and transport properties relevant to electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Main Results:

• Black phosphorus has a rich history of research and development.
• The van der Waals structure allows for the reduction of black phosphorus to single-layer phosphorene.
• Phosphorene exhibits distinct physical properties compared to bulk black phosphorus.

Conclusions:

• Black phosphorus and phosphorene are promising materials for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.
• Understanding their properties is crucial for harnessing their full application potential.
• Further research into their synthesis and characterization will drive innovation.