Phosphorous- and Boron-Doped Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Energy-Related Applications

Abstract

Doping is a great strategy for tuning the characteristics of graphene-based nanomaterials. Phosphorous has a higher electronegativity as compared to carbon, whereas boron can induce p-type conductivity in graphene. This review provides insight into the different synthesis routes of phosphorous- and boron-doped graphene along with their applications in supercapacitors, lithium- ions batteries, and cells such as solar and fuel cells. The two major approaches for the synthesis, viz. direct and post-treatment methods, are discussed in detail. The former synthetic strategies include ball milling and chemical vapor discharge approaches, whereas self-assembly, thermal annealing, arc-discharge, wet chemical, and electrochemical erosion are representative post-treatment methods. The latter techniques keep the original graphene structure via more surface doping than substitutional doping. As a result, it is possible to preserve the features of the graphene while offering a straightforward handling technique that is more stable and controllable than direct techniques. This review also explains the latest progress in the prospective uses of graphene doped with phosphorous and boron for electronic devices, i.e., fuel and solar cells, supercapacitors, and batteries. Their novel energy-related applications will continue to be a promising area of study.

Recent Advancements in the Preparation and Application of Copper Single-Atom Catalysts

“…In graphene, phosphorus, which contains an easily available lone pair of electrons and has low electronegativity, donates electrons, whereas the conjugation of the vacant 2p z orbital of boron with the carbon system removes the electron. The introduction of heteroatoms (B/P) into graphene may deplete/enrich metal center electronic density, modifying the electronic structure of active metal sites to enhance the catalytic process. − …”

Recent Advancements in Applications of Graphene to Attain Next-Level Solar Cells

“…In order to provide a viable way to finely tune graphene doping for desired electronic properties, Shamim et al recently controlled doping concentration and choice of dopant for high-capacity negative electrodes for Li and Na ion batteries [121]. Ubhi et al analyzed phosphorous and boron-doped graphene to benefit various energy applications such as fuel and solar cells, supercapacitors and batteries [122]. Mollaamin et al also doped graphene with various dopants such as nickel, iron and zinc during their study and observed the variation in graphene's performance [123].…”

Revealing the Microscopic Picture of the Charge Transfer Mechanism between Graphene and Dopant Molecules

“…For this purpose, the control of charge carrier concentration by tuning the Fermi level, i.e., doping, has been extensively investigated. Generally, two approaches have been established for doping graphene: (i) substitution of carbon by heteroatoms , and (ii) physical or chemical adsorption of dopant molecules in proximity to the graphene surface. , Doping by substitutional dopant atoms such as B, P, and Sb has been employed to dope graphene. − However, this approach greatly compromises the quality of graphene due to the incorporation of long-range and short-range disorders and point defects. , Furthermore, this method lacks controllability and tunability . In contrast, desired doping can be obtained by adsorption of electronically interacting dopants with graphene by creating a local perturbation .…”