NU 2016-015

Inventors

Mark Hersam*

Joshua Wood

Andrew Mannix

Brian Kiraly

Brandon Fisher

Nathan Guisinger

Short Description

A novel method of synthesizing crystalline two-dimensional (2D) boron sheets called borophene exhibiting high performance of a highly anisotropic 2D metal.

Abstract

Two-dimensional nanomaterials have properties that can be exploited in high-performance optoelectronic, photovoltaic, sensing, and logic applications. While boron and carbon exhibit similar cluster chemistry, synthesis of boron allotropes is less common due to its high cost and use of toxic precursors. Northwestern researchers have invented a novel method to create an atomically-thin, two-dimensional boron allotrope, called borophene, under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. While bulk boron is a poor semiconductor, their method synthesizes borophene as an anisotropic metal with in-plane theoretical strength exceeding graphene, the strongest material known. The material properties are likely tunable by subsequent chemistry, which could lead to a family of borophene-based electronic materials. This discovery could have a significant impact on electronics, optoelectronics, and sensor markets.

Applications

• Optoelectronics
• Radio frequency logic
• Sensing
• Medical imaging

Advantages

• First isolation of synthetic borophene
• Unique anisotropic properties, different than any other boron allotrope known
• Straightforward growth with effective evaporation of non-toxic boron onto silver in ultrahigh vacuum
• Borophene encapsulation through facile evaporation of immiscible silicon

Publication

Mannix J et al (2015) Synthesis of borophenes: Anisotropic, two-dimensional boron polymorphs. Science. 350: 1513.

IP Status

A provisional patent application was filed.