Rediscovering the Crystal Chemistry of Borides

Abstract

For decades, borides have been primarily studied as crystallographic oddities. With such a wide variety of structures (a quick survey of the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database counts 1253 entries for binary boron compounds!), it is surprising that the applications of borides have been quite limited despite a great deal of fundamental research. If anything, the rich crystal chemistry found in borides could well provide the right tool for almost any application. The interplay between metals and the boron results in even more varied material's properties, many of which can be tuned via chemistry. Thus, the aim of this review is to reintroduce to the scientific community the developments in boride crystal chemistry over the past 60 years. We tie structures to material properties, and furthermore, elaborate on convenient synthetic routes toward preparing borides.

A Delicate Balance between Antiferromagnetism and Ferromagnetism: Theoretical and Experimental Studies of A2MRu5B2 (A=Zr, Hf; M=Fe, Mn) Metal Borides

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Besides these more common properties, some metal boridesa re superconductors, such as MgB 2 [10] (first high-temperature metallic superconductor) or the recently discovered NbRuB, [11] Ta RuB, or NbOsB, [12] whereas several others show great stabilitya gainst neutron or otherr adiation types, for example, YB 66 , [13] which is used as am onochromatorf or synchrotron radiation.M oreover, many metal borides are known for their extraordinary magnetic (e.g.,N d 2 Fe 14 B 2 ), magnetocaloric (e.g.,A lFe 2 B 2 ), and thermoelectric properties. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Besides these more common properties, some metal boridesa re superconductors, such as MgB 2 [10] (first high-temperature metallic superconductor) or the recently discovered NbRuB, [11] Ta RuB, or NbOsB, [12] whereas several others show great stabilitya gainst neutron or otherr adiation types, for example, YB 66 , [13] which is used as am onochromatorf or synchrotron radiation.M oreover, many metal borides are known for their extraordinary magnetic (e.g.,N d 2 Fe 14 B 2 ), magnetocaloric (e.g.,A lFe 2 B 2 ), and thermoelectric properties.…”

Synthesis of a Highly Efficient Oxygen‐Evolution Electrocatalyst by Incorporation of Iron into Nanoscale Cobalt Borides

“…[1] While it is wellknown that boridesa re interesting refractory materials for high-temperature uses, [2][3][4] their activity as catalysts is far less explored. [1] While it is wellknown that boridesa re interesting refractory materials for high-temperature uses, [2][3][4] their activity as catalysts is far less explored.…”

Hierarchical and chemical space partitioning in new intermetallic borides MNi21B20(M = In, Sn)

“…[1][2][3] In borides, the complexity of boron-based structural units often depends on metal-to-boron ratios, resulting in formation of one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrangements of covalently bonded boron atoms. 1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Boron-rich materials mostly exhibit a three-dimensional boron partial structure formed by interlinked boron clusters. 3,11,12 Two-dimensional boron networks in turn can be often observed at intermediate metal-to-boron ratios between 3/2 and 2, 3,13,14 whereas, with decreasing boron content, separated chains or rings and, further, isolated boron atoms prevail.…”