Borophene
Prelims:
Science
& Technology, Environment & Ecology
Mains:
GS
Paper III – Science & Technology, Environment
Current relevance:
Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in
Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the
Department of Science and Technology (DST), have demonstrated for the first
time that borophene.
Highlights:
1.
Researchers
successfully demonstrated, for the first time, the use of borophene as a
high-performance lubricant additive in castor oil, marking its first
reported application in lubrication technology.
2.
Borophene is a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial consisting of a single
layer of boron atoms, known for its exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity,
chemical stability, and tribological (friction-reducing) properties.
3.
Working Mechanism:
i.
During operation, borophene disperses uniformly in castor oil without
chemical modification and forms a durable protective tribofilm composed of iron
oxides, carbonaceous species, and boron-based compounds.
ii.
This tribofilm reduces shear stress, enhances load-bearing
capacity, and minimizes friction, wear, and tear, thereby improving
lubrication performance and machine efficiency.
4.
Potential Applications:
i.
Renewable Energy Systems
ii.
Marine Applications
iii.
Green Lubrication Technologies
iv.
Sustainable Manufacturing
v.
Industrial Machinery
1.
The integration of borophene with renewable castor oil marks a major
advancement in sustainable lubrication technology by combining nanotechnology, renewable
resources,
and enhanced energy efficiency.
Source:
PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287664®=48&lang=2