Unlocking the potential of borophene: Recent progress in synthesis, properties, and applications

Boron (B), located in close proximity to carbon and positioned between metals and non-metals in the periodic table, is an element that exhibits exceptional chemical and physical versatility. It can be effectively managed to create flat structures with small dimensions, known as borophene, which possess fascinating features. In the ever-expanding landscape of two-dimensional materials, borophene has recently emerged as a compelling focus of research, captivating the interest of scientists globally. Endowed with an extraordinary atomic structure and remarkable properties, borophene stands poised to unlock a multitude of breakthroughs across diverse domains, including supercapacitors, batteries, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, water splitting, biomedical, and beyond. This review provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical and practical advances in borophene synthesis, as well as its unique properties and applications in a variety of fields. This overview describes the decade-long effort to understand the structures of B-clusters, which vary in size, as well as the borophene synthesis strategies, which include bottom-up and up-down approaches. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on recent advancements while delineating future avenues for research and innovation in this burgeoning field.