Laser‐Assisted Ultrafast Exfoliation of Black Phosphorus in Liquid with Tunable Thickness for Li‐Ion Batteries
Weiran Zheng, Jeongyeon Lee, Zhiwen Gao, Yong Li, Shenghuang Lin, Shu Ping Lau, Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee
Abstract
Abstract Few‐layer black phosphorus (BP) is an emerging 2D material suitable for energy applications. However, its controllable preparation remains challenging. Herein, a highly efficient route is presented for the scalable production of few‐layered BP nanosheets using a pulsed laser in low‐boiling point solvents. Changing the laser irradiation time, energy, and solvent type leads to precise control over the layer number and lateral size of the nanosheets with a narrow distribution. The process is understood by a plasma quenching mechanism and interlayer interaction weakened by the in situ generated vapor bubbles. The excellent control of the BP nanosheets enables morphological effects on Li‐ion battery performance to be studied. Low layer numbers benefit both charge transfer and Li + ion diffusion, while a high aspect ratio can not only improve the charge transfer but also increase the Li + ion diffusion path. This study delivers insights on the tailored fabrication of thin 2D materials using lasers for morphology‐dependent electrochemical energy conversion and storage.