Band engineering of borophene superlattice based on zigzag nanoribbons: A DFT study

Abstract

By performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we demonstrate that periodically repeating heterostructures of zigzag borophene nanoribbons (BNR) of different widths can form stable borophene superlattice (BSL). The energy band structures of BSL can be modulated through modifying the width and length of the segments. A metal-semiconductor transition can be obtained when the length of each segment is lengthened, whereas, the magnetism of BSL is influenced by the width of the segments. In those magnetic systems, the magnetic moments are mainly localized on protruding B atoms located at the edge, while no magnetic moments occur in the center B atoms. The hydrogenated BNR and BSL are further investigated. The hydrogenation can modify the electronic properties of BNR and BSL as well as quench the magnetism. All hydrogenated BNR and BSL are non-magnetic. Our results indicate that great potential exists in these systems for borophene utilization in nanoelectronics and spintronics.