Determine the nature of layered structures in deposited boron

Determine whether the layered structures observed during boron deposition on tungsten surfaces constitute genuine borophene phases or planar voids within the deposited boron layer.

Background

The paper uses molecular-dynamics simulations with a machine-learned tungsten–boron interatomic potential to study boron deposition on tungsten surfaces. During deposition, the simulations produce an elevated, borophene-like layer above the tungsten substrate, followed by the formation of a denser, more bulk-like amorphous boron phase as deposition continues.

The authors state that the structural interpretation of the intermediate layers cannot be resolved visually: the layers may represent genuine two-dimensional borophene phases, or they may be planar voids associated with the vacancy-rich structure of boron. Establishing their nature would clarify the microscopic growth mechanism of boron coatings during tungsten boronization.