24 April 2024 | Chengyong Zhong, Minglei Sun, Tariq Altalhi, Boris I. Yakobson
A bilayer borophene structure, composed of two covalently bonded δ₆ borophene monolayers, exhibits remarkable mechanical and superconducting properties. The structure has a high 2D Young's modulus of approximately 570 N/m, surpassing that of graphene. First-principles calculations and anisotropic Migdal–Eliashberg analytics reveal that this bilayer has a superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of about 20 K. Applying strain can increase Tc to as high as 46 K, making it the highest known Tc among all borophenes and two-dimensional elemental materials. The structure's combination of superhardness and superconductivity is rare, offering potential applications in quantum devices and superconducting components. The mechanical stability and thermal resistance of the bilayer make it promising for experimental realization. The study highlights the unique properties of bilayer borophene, including its anisotropic superconductivity and potential for high-temperature superconductivity. The results suggest that covalent metals like borophene could be key materials for future high-temperature superconductors.A bilayer borophene structure, composed of two covalently bonded δ₆ borophene monolayers, exhibits remarkable mechanical and superconducting properties. The structure has a high 2D Young's modulus of approximately 570 N/m, surpassing that of graphene. First-principles calculations and anisotropic Migdal–Eliashberg analytics reveal that this bilayer has a superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of about 20 K. Applying strain can increase Tc to as high as 46 K, making it the highest known Tc among all borophenes and two-dimensional elemental materials. The structure's combination of superhardness and superconductivity is rare, offering potential applications in quantum devices and superconducting components. The mechanical stability and thermal resistance of the bilayer make it promising for experimental realization. The study highlights the unique properties of bilayer borophene, including its anisotropic superconductivity and potential for high-temperature superconductivity. The results suggest that covalent metals like borophene could be key materials for future high-temperature superconductors.