Synthesis of borophenes: Anisotropic, two-dimensional boron polymorphs

At the atomic-cluster scale, pure boron is markedly similar to carbon, forming simple planar molecules and cage-like fullerenes. Theoretical studies predict that two-dimensional (2D) boron sheets will adopt an atomic configuration similar to that of boron atomic clusters. We synthesized atomically thin, crystalline 2D boron sheets (i.e., borophene) on silver surfaces under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. Atomic-scale characterization, supported by theoretical calculations, revealed structures reminiscent of fused boron clusters with multiple scales of anisotropic, out-of-plane buckling. Unlike bulk boron allotropes, borophene shows metallic characteristics that are consistent with predictions of a highly…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: DGE-0824162, DGE-1324585
• UD
  U.S. Department of Defense

  Award: 64756-RT-REP
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Award: DE-FG02-09ER16109
• WM
  W. M. Keck Foundation
• WF
  Welch Foundation

  Award: AX-1615
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 11174152
• DA
  Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

  Award: W31P4Q1210008
• MR
  Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University

  Award: DMR-1121262
• PF
  Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University

  Award: NCET-12-0278
• OO
  Office of Naval Research

  Award: N00014-14-1-0669
• NI
  National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities