Dynamical behavior of Borospherene: A Nanobubble

Sci Rep. 2015 Jun 22:5:11287. doi: 10.1038/srep11287.

Abstract

The global minimum structure of borospherene (B40) is a cage, comprising two hexagonal and four heptagonal rings. Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics simulations show that continuous conversions in between six and seven membered rings take place. The activation energy barrier for such a transformation is found to be 14.3 kcal · mol(-1). The completely delocalized σ- and π-frameworks, as well as the conservation of the bonding pattern during rearrangement, facilitate the dynamical behavior of B40. B40 is predicted to act as a support-free spherical two-dimensional liquid at moderate temperature. In other words, B40 could be called as a nanobubble.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't