“Top-down” Arsenene Production by Low-Potential Electrochemical Exfoliation

Abstract

Arsenene, as an exotic representative of two-dimensional (2D) materials, has received great interest, yet the interest is mainly based on theoretical study. The reason for this is a restricted ability to operate the material from its synthesis to implementation. Beginning with the production, electrochemical exfoliation has been found as an extremely effective method for the preparation of 2D materials from bulk materials. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the electrochemical exfoliation of bulk black arsenic in the anhydrous electrolyte medium. Spectro- and microscopic analyses evidence micrometer lateral size few-layer arsenene in a netlike porous shape formed of 2D flakes. We demonstrate that the surfactant-free exfoliation successfully resulted in a stable dispersion for which only washing with the corresponding solvent was sufficient. This electrochemistry route for the black arsenic exfoliation toward few-layer arsenene will broaden the materials’ scope applications in new-generation devices.

Advances in Liquid‐Phase and Intercalation Exfoliations of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides to Produce 2D Framework

“…[63,[370][371][372] Electrochemical reactions that have occurred on electrode with layered structure will yields as intercalation and/or exfoliation of electrode. [373][374][375] There are some desirable features for electrochemical exfoliation such as fast cycle time, ease of activity, control and potential for scaling up. The applied potential and electrolyte quality highly influenced on consistency of exfoliated nanosheets.…”

“…[64,391] In this regard, organic cations attaining smaller ionic diameter as compared to an interlayer spacing of bulk material and can be directly incorporated into interlayers owing to +ve electrochemical potential among the exfoliation route. [375] This mechanism causes considerable intensification in the interlayer distance of bulk material. Gases that are produced during the decomposition of organic cations can also efficaciously enhance the strongly bound bulk crystal.…”

Design, characterization, and application of elemental 2D materials for electrochemical energy storage, sensing, and catalysis

“…Recently, Kovalska et al exfoliated arsenic electrochemically to synthesize arsenene. 167 Orthorhombic arsenic (Fig. 4b.1) was exfoliated in a 0.01 M NH 4 PF 6 /DMF solution.…”

Electrochemical Exfoliation of 2D Advanced Carbon Derivatives

“…Electrochemical reactions occur on electrode with layered structure will yield as intercalation and/or exfoliation of electrode [36][37][38]. There are some desirable features for electrochemical exfoliation such as simplicity, fast cycle time, ease of activity, control, and potential for scaling up.…”