Decoration of exfoliated black phosphorus with nickel nanoparticles and application in catalysis

Nickel nanoparticles were dispersed on the surface of exfoliated black phosphorus and the resulting nanohybrid Ni/2DBP showed an improved stability respect to pristine 2D BP when kept in ambient conditions in the darkness. Ni/2DBP was applied as catalyst in the semihydrogenation of phenylacetylene and exhibited high conversion and selectivity towards styrene. These features were preserved after recycling tests revealing the high stability of the nanohybrid.