Novel polystyrene-based nanocomposites by phosphorene dispersion

Polystyrene-based phosphorene nanocomposites were prepared by a solvent blending procedure allowing the embedding of black phosphorus (BP) nanoflakes in the polymer matrix. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and TEM microscopy were employed to characterize the structural and morphological characteristics of the achieved hybrids, with the aim of evaluating the dispersion level of black phosphorus layers. TGA, DSC analysis as well as thermal oxidation and photo-degradation techniques were employed to investigate the thermal- and the photo-stability of the samples. The collected results showed evidence of better thermal and photostability of both the polymer matrix and dispersed layered phosphorus, suggesting really interesting polymer-nanofiller synergic effects ascribable to the presence and the good dispersion of the 2D-nanomaterial.