Borophene: A Piezocatalyst

Abstract

Borophene was successfully synthesized by modifying the Hummer's approach. Under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations, two-dimensional borophene sheets exhibit exceptional piezocatalytic activity, as exemplified by the decomposition of highly stable organic pollutants in water. After only 1 minute of exposure, the piezocatalytic activity of borophene sheets converted up to 99 percent of the initial molecules of rose bengal dye (50 mg/L) at room temperature, neutral pH. The principal active oxidant species have been identified as superoxide (•O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) formed from H2O and dissolved O2. The induction of polarized electric charges has also been measured during the process. Further elucidation of the piezocatalytic mechanism suggests that the piezocatalytic efficiency can be related to the piezoelectric effect generating electric charges to increase charge transfer during chemical redox reactions. Our research provides new insights into the preparation of borophene and its use as piezo catalysts for environmental catalysis.