Nanoparticles containing boron and its compounds—synthesis and applications: A review

Abstract

Nanomaterials have already contributed to many innovative products in the consumer markets. Constant efforts are directed at attaining unique morphologies and reduction in size. Exponential growth in research is thus involved in the synthesis of the novel nanomaterials. Boron and its compounds with distinct functional and structural properties find extensive usage in a variety of fields ranging from nuclear technology to electronics, ceramics, etc. Also, due to their non-toxicity, they are considered an attractive intermediate in the healthcare and cosmetic industry. The majority of reviews on boron and its compounds are focused on morphologies and the structure of the boron compound obtained. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the unique properties of the major boron compounds: boron carbide (B4C), boron nitride (BN), and heterostructures with metals and organic compounds. In each section, we also describe the subsequent synthesis routes and the challenges associated with them. We have also summarized the various morphologies and shapes reported to be associated with boron and its compounds. In recent years, however, primary research on boron nanoparticle (BNP) has focused on non-toxic/greener and energy-efficient synthesis routes. The usage and production of pure BNPs in the industry are very scarce and are often associated with nanoclusters of boron and other elements. The intricate structural design and low purity of the nanoproducts formed make BNP synthesis challenging. Thus, in the last section, we summarize the challenges and outlook of the current research with future prospects in the area of BNP research.

Fluorescent Boron Oxide Nanodisks as Biocompatible Multi-messenger Sensors for Ultrasensitive Ni2+ Detection

“…30 Despite the large interest in exploring and understanding all of these B-based nanostructures, experimental investigations in boron nanoscience are still relatively limited as compared to theoretical studies (with the exception of h-BN). 1 In particular, only a handful of works have reported the synthesis of B 2 O 3 nanoparticles so far because of a surprising lack of available synthetic methods. 31 In regard to synthesis routes, several different techniques and precursors have been used to obtain boron-based nanoobjects, often involving the use of highly toxic gases or compounds, 24 such as arc decomposition of diborane, 32 gas phase reduction of boron trichloride, 33 solution reduction of boron tribromide, 24 gas phase pyrolysis of decaborane, 34 and many others.…”

Laser-ablative aqueous synthesis and characterization of elemental boron nanoparticles for biomedical applications

“…Finally, owing to good absorption of light in visible and near-infrared region, covering the window of relative biological transparency (650–900 nm), B NPs can serve as contrast agents in photoacoustic imaging 17 and sensitizers of photothermal therapy 17 , 18 . However, the fabrication of B-based nanoformulations suitable for biomedical use presents a real challenge 19 . As an example, chemical synthesis pathways are typically complicated and cause the contamination of NPs by toxic reaction products, such as carbon, chlorine, etc., while the size of formed NFs often exceeds several hundreds of nm 17 , 18 , 20 , 21 .…”

Laser-Ablative Aqueous Synthesis and Characterization of Elemental Boron Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

“…Finally, owing to their capability of absorbing light in visible and near-infrared region, covering the window of relative biological transparency (650-900 nm), boron NPs can serve as contrast agents in photoacoustic imaging 10 and sensitizers of photothermal therapy 10,11 . However, the fabrication of boron-based nanoformulations suitable for biomedical use presents a real challenge 12 . As an example, chemical synthesis pathways are typically complicated and cause the contamination of NPs by toxic reaction products, such as carbon, chlorine, etc., while the size of formed NFs often exceeds several hundreds of nm 10,11,13,14 .…”