UM6P School of Applied and Engineering Physics Researchers Pioneer Large-Scale, Defect-Free Synthesis of Phosphorene for Next-Generation Applications

July 11, 2024

Researchers from UM6P School of Applied and Engineering have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in two-dimensional materials science by developing a large-scale, defect-free synthesis method for phosphorene. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the team demonstrated the controlled growth of blue and navy phosphorene on nickel (Ni) substrates, paving the way for advanced technological applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and sensors.

Led by Ismail Benabdallah and Abdelouahad El Fatimy, the team uncovered critical parameters for phosphorene synthesis, including substrate orientation, temperature, cooling rate, and precursor concentration. The study revealed that blue phosphorene forms on Ni (111) and Ni (100) surfaces, while navy phosphorene grows on Ni (110) substrates. The formation of phosphorus pentamers (P5) as precursors and their transformation into hexagonal P6 structures were identified as key steps in the process.

The innovative method ensures defect-free monolayer phosphorene with precise lattice alignment and minimal imperfections. This scalable approach offers a robust platform for integrating phosphorene into devices such as transistors, photodetectors, and terahertz sensors.

Supported by the OCP Foundation and UM6P’s High-Performance Computing Facility, this research highlights the transformative potential of phosphorene for various high-tech industries. The complete findings was be published in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics ‘10.1088/1361-6463/ad61f7’, offering valuable insights for advancing 2D material synthesis and applications.