The search for new candidate semiconductors with direct band gaps of ∼1.4 eV has attracted significant attention, especially among the two-dimensional (2D) materials, which have become potential candidates for next-generation optoelectronics. Herein, we systematically studied 2D B_x/2N_x/2C_1−x (0 < x < 1) compounds in particular focus on the four stoichiometric B_x/2N_x/2C_1−x (x = 2/3, 1/2, 2/5 and 1/3) using a recently developed global optimization method (CALYPSO) in conjunction with density functional theory. Furthermore, we examine more stoichiometries by the cluster expansion technique based on a hexagonal lattice. The results reveal that all monolayer B_x/2N_x/2C_1−x stoichiometries adopt a planar honeycomb character and are dynamically stable. Remarkably, electronic structural calculations show that most of B_x/2N_x/2C_1−x phases possess direct band gaps within the optical range, thereby they can potentially be used in high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to electric power, as well as in p–n junction photovoltaic modules. The present results also show that the band gaps of B_x/2N_x/2C_1−x can be widely tuned within the optical range by changing the concentration of carbon, thus allowing the fast development of band gap engineered materials in optoelectronics. These new findings may enable new approaches to the design of microelectronic devices.

Anatase TiO₂ nanotube (TiNT) arrays have been fabricated on a p-type boron-doped diamond substrate by a liquid phase deposition method using a ZnO nanorod template. The n-type TiNT/p-type diamond heterojunction structures which are realized show significantly enhanced photocatalytic activities with good recyclable behavior, with respect to the cases of sole TiNTs.

A boron-doped diamond (BDD) has been widely used as an outstanding electrode for constructing high-performance electrochemical biosensors. In this paper, we fabricated a novel electrode combined of nanometer-sized graphite-BDD film (NG-BDD) by chemical vapor deposition. The nanometer-sized graphite (NG) is formed on the (111) facet of BDD via converting an sp³ diamond structure to an sp² graphitic phase at high temperature in boron-rich ambient. The electrode was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This NG-BDD was performed as an electrode of electrochemical biosensor to detect trace acetaminophen (APAP) accurately. Cyclic voltammetry and differential normal pulse voltammetry are used to investigate the overall performance of the electrochemical device. The sensor has a linear electrochemical response to APAP in the concentration range of 0.02–50 μM, and the detection limit is estimated to be as low as 5 nM. The research has resulted in a solution of constructing a reusable NG-BDD sensor to detect APAP with stability and show potential in extensive application.