Two dimensional borophene nanomaterials: Recent developments for novel renewable energy storage applications

Abstract

Due to ultralow defect formation energy, borophene differs significantly from other 2D (two-dimensional) materials in that it is difficult to distinguish between its crystal and boron (B) vacancy defect. In contrast to other 2D materials like graphene, borophene does not form layers when it is in its bulk state. In addition, borophene NM's atomic structure is different from graphene's in that it consists of connected triangles rather than hexagons. This atomic configuration has gaps where atoms are missing, resulting in a flaw called a "hollow hexagon" (HH). In borophene phases, these HHs can be found in a variety of ratios. The phase intermixing of borophene is a brand-new example of an 'ordered' defect discovered in 2D materials.

The majority of 2D materials have flaws or disruptions to the atom arrangement at the boundaries between various domains or phases. Defects play a major influence in determining the properties of materials in a 2D system, because all atoms are virtually on the surface. For instance, the line defects along phase boundaries in borophene have no effect on the material's electrical characteristics at ambient temperature, in contrast to insulating flaws in metallic graphene. The atoms at the borders of borophene easily fit along line faults and adopt the configuration of their neighbors, causing no disruption. Additionally, the line flaws do not disrupt the seamless structure of borophene and maintain its stability and metallic properties.

Experimentally, all four borophene phases have been synthesized, and they are all metallic. A list of borophene NM's special characteristics, including its negative Poisson's ratio and extremely anisotropic Young's modulus, is discussed. Here we also emphasized on B's conductive and superconductive qualities. An overview of borophene NM's uses in the energy sectors, including metal ion batteries, and supercapacitors (SCs), is covered in great length at the very end.