Synthesis and characterization of borophene for future applications

Abstract

Distinctive nature, optical and electrical properties of borophene made it an attractive material for research. In this regard, borophene nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized in this research in three dispersed media using a sonochemical process from pure boron in three dispersed media such as acetone, methanol and benzyl. The prepared borophene NPs samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), Zeta Potential, and UV (Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy). SEM analysis confirmed the formation of borophene NPs on the surface of boron. The synthesized borophene NPs were irregular in shape, and the sizes varied from 400 to 650 nm. Spectra of borophene NPs were visible by Raman spectroscopy from nearly 104 cm−1 to 106 cm−1. The FTIR analysis identified the presence of different functional groups. Less than a 4 eV band gap was identified, which is helpful for semiconductor applications. Peaks identified by the UV–vis analysis confirmed the formation of borophene NPs. The obtained results can be beneficial for electronic applications.

Keywords

• Borophene
• Sonochemical exfoliation process
• Bandgap
• Semiconductor applications
• Biomedical applications