Recent advances in black phosphorus-based electrochemical sensors: A review

Since the discovery of liquid-phase-exfoliated black phosphorus (BP) as a field-effect transistor in 2014, BP, with its 2D layered structure, has attracted significant attention, owing to its anisotropic electroconductivity, tunable direct bandgap, extraordinary surface activity, moderate switching ratio, high hole mobility, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Several pioneering research efforts have explored the application of BP in different types of electrochemical sensors. This review summarizes the latest synthesis methods, protection strategies, and electrochemical sensing applications of BP and its derivatives. The typical synthesis methods for BP-based crystals, nanosheets, and quantum dots are discussed in detail; the degradation of BP under ambient conditions is introduced; and state-of-the-art protection methodologies for enhancing BP stability are explored. Various electrochemical sensing applications, including chemically modified electrodes, electrochemiluminescence sensors, enzyme electrodes, electrochemical aptasensors, electrochemical immunosensors, and ion-selective electrodes are discussed in detail, along with the mechanisms of BP functionalization, sensing strategies, and sensing properties. Finally, the major challenges in this field are outlined and future research avenues for BP-based electrochemical sensors are highlighted. [Display omitted] •Developments in black phosphorus (BP)-based electrochemical sensors are discussed.•BP synthesis and stability-enhancement strategies are elaborated.•BP functionalization and applications in electrochemical sensors are described.•Challenges and opportunities in BP-based electrochemical sensors are outlined.