Publication

Abstract : Black phosphorus (BP) stands out as an elemental two-dimensional material with a unique structure and properties like tunable bandgap and good charge carrier mobility, useful in electronics and photocatalysis. Conventional high-temperature techniques used to synthesize BP face several drawbacks, including significant energy consumption, long processing times, need for specialized equipment, and concerns related to safety and environmental impact. Because of these challenges, there is a rising interest in developing methods that are both safer and more efficient. A safer and low-cost method like ball milling for the synthesis of BP is underexplored. In this regard, we discussed a simple way to convert red phosphorus (RP) into BP using solid-state and solvent-assisted ball milling. The phase change was monitored using XRD, Raman, UV–Vis, SEM analyses, and HR-TEM analysis. Photocatalytic activity of the obtained ball-milled samples were evaluated and compared with amorphous red phosphorus through reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection under visible light. Interestingly, the solid-state milled sample demonstrated early singlet oxygen generation within the first few minutes of light irradiation.