Structural Units of Bulk Boron Crystal and 2D Boron Nanostructures

Boron is an intriguing element that can take many different shapes, from bulk crystals to two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures. Furthermore, boron is the element that is next to carbon on the periodic table. It has the unique ability to form strong covalent two-center-two-electron bonds (2c-2e−) and stable electron-deficient multi-center-two-electronc bonds, which means that it can form many unique 2D structures that are different from other 2D materials that have been studied. Recently, 2D boron crystals have been the object of intense interest due to the successful synthesis of atomically thin crystalline 2D boron sheets (i.e., borophene). Understanding the arrangement of boron atoms in these different structures is essential for unlocking their potential in various applications, such as electronics and energy storage. By exploring the structural units of bulk boron crystals and 2D boron nanostructures, we can gain insight into their properties and potential uses in cutting-edge technologies.