boron atom tagged posts

A simulation of one-dimensional boron under stress shows the theoretical material changing phase from a ribbon to a chain of atoms when pulled. The chain returns to ribbon form when the stress is relieved. Credit: Yakobson Research Group

Simulations demonstrate 1D material’s stiffness, electrical versatility, Hold on, there, graphene. You might think you’re the most interesting new nanomaterial of the century, but boron might already have you beat, according to scientists at Rice University. A Rice team that simulated one-dimensional forms of boron – both two-atom-wide ribbons and single-atom chains – found they possess unique properties.

Eg, if metallic ribbons of boron are stretched, they morph into antiferromagnetic semiconducting chains, and when released they fold back into ribbons...