A comprehensive review on surface modifications of black phosphorus using biological macromolecules

Abstract

Black phosphorus (BP), a novel two-dimensional material, exhibits remarkable photoelectric characteristics, ultrahigh photothermal conversion efficiency, substantial specific surface area, high carrier mobility, and tunable band gap properties. These attributes have positioned it as a promising candidate in domains such as energy, medicine, and the environment. Nonetheless, its vulnerability to light, oxygen, and water can lead to rapid degradation and loss of crystallinity, thereby limiting its synthesis, preservation, and application. Moreover, BP has demonstrated cytotoxic tendencies, substantially constraining its viability in the realm of biomedicine. Consequently, the imperative for surface modification arises to bolster its stability and biocompatibility, while concurrently expanding its utility spectrum. Biological macromolecules, integral components of living organisms, proffer innate advantages over chemical agents and polymers for the purpose of the BP modifications. This review comprehensively surveys the advancements in utilizing biological macromolecules for the modifications of BP. In doing so, it aims to pave the way for enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and diversified applications of this material.

Keywords

black phosphorus / tumor therapy / biocompatibility / surface modification / biomacromolecule

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Declaration of competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12272253, 82103147, 12202302, 31800684, and 11802197), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province, China (Grant Nos. 202203021221047, 20210302124007, and 20210302124405), the Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering (2021SX-AT008 and 2021SX-AT009), and the Central Guidance on Local Science and Technology Development Fund of Shanxi Province (YDZJSX2021A021). The Fund Program for the Scientific Activities of Selected Returned Overseas Professionals in Shanxi Province (20220006) is also acknowledged with gratitude.

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