Noncovalent Functionalization of Pnictogen Surfaces: From Small Molecules to 2D Heterostructures

Beyond graphene, 2D pnictogen polymers are rapidly growing among the family of 2D materials. Due to their unique properties, this group has received considerable interest in recent years. Those properties include tunable electronic band gaps, high charge carrier mobility, and in-plane anisotropic properties. This Review covers the noncovalent functionalization of pnictogen surfaces considering experimental and theoretical studies. Noncovalent functionalization is of great importance for effective modulation of the electronic structure of these materials as well as improvement of their stability toward surface oxidation. This Review highlights their noncovalent modification by organic molecules, in which enhanced surface stability of phosphorene and generated functionalized materials for applications in biomedical, supercapacitors, energy storage, and biosensors. Moreover, the noncovalent interactions with small molecules show its significance for sensing applications. Lastly, the interactions of pnictogen sheets with other 2D materials and their applications for van der Waals heterostructure formation are discussed. Current state-of-the-art as well as future perspectives in this field are covered.