Phosphorene and other layered pnictogens as a new source of 2D materials for electrochemical sensors

Following the great success of graphene as a versatile 2D nanomaterial for the design of electrochemical sensors, this review focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical sensing applications of alternative 2D layered structures produced with elements of group VA, also known as pnictogens. Among these, phosphorene nanosheets generated from black phosphorous (BP) is by far the most popular 2D layered pnictogen; however, bismuthene and antimonene are also gaining interest in the design of electrochemical sensors. A perspective is given to the properties of the various layered pnictogens and factors affecting their stability, which also influence their sensing abilities. Examples using arsenene are still relatively sparse as this is not an attractive material for biosensing due to its acute toxicity. Tables with the most meaningful information from the available literature are presented. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical sensing applications of alternative 2D layered structures produced with elements of group VA, also known as pnictogens. The most popular 2D layered pnictogen, phosphorene nanosheets generated from black phosphorous, is discussed along with the emerging interest in bismuthene and antimonene for sensor design. Factors affecting the stability and sensing abilities of these pnictogens are highlighted, with arsenene being less attractive for biosensing due to its acute toxicity.