A solvent decomposition and explosion approach for boron nanoplate synthesis.

A new approach was applied to synthesize boron nanoplates based on layer exfoliation of etched MgB2 particles through a controlled decomposition and explosion of a widely used dipolar aprotic solvent: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). These nanoplates are environmentally stable, surface-functionalized, and reveal excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.