Atomic-Resolution TEM Imaging of Phosphorene Protected by Graphene

Phosphorene, a single layer of black phosphorus (BP), is an elemental two-dimensional material with unique properties, such as tunable band-gap and high charge carrier mobility, and exotic in-plane anisotropic physical properties Atomic resolution imaging of phosphorene, including various atomic-scale defects and edge configurations, is of critically importance but has been elusive due to its degradation under ambient exposure as well as electron-beam-irradiation. To overcome these challenges, we prepared graphene/BP sandwich structures to preserve pristine quality of BP.