Surface Functionalization of Black Phosphorus with Nitrenes: Identification of P=N Bonds Using Isotopic Labeling

Abstract

<p>Surface functionalization of two‐dimensional crystals is a key path to tuning their intrinsic physical and chemical properties. However, synthetic protocols and experimental strategies to directly probe chemical bonding in modified surfaces are scarce. Introduced here is a mild, surface‐specific protocol for the surface functionalization of few‐layer black phosphorus nanosheets using a family of photolytically generated nitrenes (RN) from the corresponding azides. By embedding spectroscopic tags in the organic backbone, a multitude of characterization techniques are employed to investigate in detail the chemical structure of the modified nanosheets, including vibrational, X‐ray photoelectron, solid state 31 P NMR, and UV‐vis spectroscopy . To directly probe the functional groups introduced on the surface, R fragments were selected such that in conjunction with vibrational spectroscopy, 15 N‐labeling experiments, and DFT methods, diagnostic P=N vibrational modes indicative of iminophosphorane units on the nanosheet surface could be conclusively identified.</p>