Degradation of black phosphorus is contingent on UV–blue light exposure

Abstract Layered black phosphorous has recently emerged as a promising candidate for next generation nanoelectronic devices. However, the rapid ambient degradation of mechanically exfoliated black phosphorous poses challenges in its practical implementation in scalable devices. As photo-oxidation has been identified as the main cause of degradation, to-date, the strategies employed to protect black phosphorous have relied upon preventing its exposure to atmospheric oxygen. These strategies inhibit access to the material limiting its use. An understanding of the effect of individual wavelengths of the light spectrum can lead to alternatives that do not require the complete isolation of black phosphorous from ambient environment. Here, we determine the influence of discrete wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to infrared on the degradation of black phosphorous. It is shown that the ultraviolet component of the spectrum is primarily responsible for the deterioration of black phosphorous in ambient conditions. Based on these results, new insights into the degradation mechanism have been generated which will enable the handling and operating of black phosphorous in standard fabrication laboratory environments.