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Interfacial oxidation of boron proceeds through a stable B₆O intermediate
Jian Wang1,2, Kai Zhong2, Xinxing Zeng2
1School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
Nature Communications
|November 6, 2025
Summary
A new W-J model reveals boron oxidation begins at the interface, forming a B6O intermediate. This intermediate regulates oxidation, lowering boron
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Boron (B) oxidation is crucial for catalysis, metallurgy, corrosion, and combustion.
- Early oxidation stages and intermediate phases of boron are poorly understood.
- Classical models focus on diffusion through B2O3 layers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of early-stage boron oxidation.
- To identify key intermediate phases in boron oxidation.
- To explain the observed limited reactivity of boron in practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling (W-J model) to describe boron oxidation.
- Analysis of interfacial reactions between boron core and B2O3 shell.
- Investigation of the role of the B6O intermediate phase.
Main Results:
- The W-J model proposes an interfacial reaction mechanism for boron oxidation.
- An intermediate phase, B6O, is formed at the boron/B2O3 interface.
- B6O exhibits high thermal stability and oxygen affinity, hindering further oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Boron oxidation initiates at the interface, not via diffusion through B2O3.
- The B6O intermediate formation is critical in regulating boron oxidation kinetics.
- The W-J model provides insights into boron's limited reactivity, impacting combustion and catalysis.
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