Modification of black phosphorus with metal substrates: towards single-atom catalysts

Owing to its unique anisotropic structure, high charge carrier mobility, and tunable bandgap, few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) emerges as a highly promising material for applications in micro- and optoelectronics, energy conversion, and catalysis. Chemical functionalization and structural modification of FLBP not only enhance its ambient stability but also enable precise tailoring of its electronic and catalytic properties. This review systematizes state-of-the-art methods for the synthesis of FLBP and its surface modification using metal substrates. Special emphasis is placed on the fabrication strategies of 0D/2D FLBP-based nanocomposites decorated with transition metal nanoparticles, the modification of FLBP with single metal atoms, and the application of these materials in electrocatalytic and photocatalytic processes, including the hydrogen evolution, CO<sub>2</sub> reduction and nitrogen fixation. In conclusion, the key challenges and future research directions in the development of novel FLBP-based catalytic systems for practical energy and environmental catalysis applications are outlined. <br> The bibliography includes 214 references.