Reviewing black phosphorus for biomedical and optoelectronic applications

Black phosphorus (BP), with its unique anisotropic properties, layer-dependent bandgap, and exceptional mechanical flexibility, has emerged as a promising material in the arena of biomedical and optoelectronic applications. Its distinct composition and optoelectronic characteristics have fascinated researchers since its successful exfoliation. In the biomedical domain, biocompatibility, photo-thermal conversion efficiency, and drug delivery potential make it a promising candidate for cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and biosensing. In addition, experimental studies highlight the advantages of BP-based nanomaterials in photo-thermal therapy, targeted drug delivery, photodetectors, solar cells, optical modulators, and nanolasers. This review presents a detailed analysis of recent advances in BP-based optoelectronic devices, underscoring the material's tunable bandgap and high carrier mobility, enabling enhanced device performance and biomedical applications. Challenges pertaining to its stability under ambient conditions and potential strategies for overcoming these barriers are also addressed. The aim is to stimulate further research into the versatile applications of BP, thereby unlocking its potential for transforming biomedical and optoelectronic technologies.