A near infrared-activated photocatalyst based on elemental phosphorus by chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Phosphorus-based metal-free semiconductors are promising with their non-toxicity and low cost of raw materials. In this work, we synthesized a near-infrared (NIR) activated photocatalyst based on elemental phosphorus (P) by chemical vapor deposition. This photocatalyst consists of black P and another potentially novel red P allotrope which is the major contributor to NIR absorption and photocatalytic activity. The P allotropes of twenty known space groups have been ruled out. The work injects new vitality into the synthesis of P-based photocatalyst and provides a case for synthesis of black P without catalyst at a low pressure. Also, the metal-free photocatalyst with a broad spectral response will be the powerful candidate for further solar-light utility and environmental remediation.