GREBOS · Green Borophene Sensing

Green Borophene Sensing

Air and water pollution are two of the most serious environmental issues worldwide, causing serious threats to human health and ecosystems. Nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and nitrates are especially damaging, being linked to respiratory diseases, acid rain and water eutrophication. Monitoring these pollutants, particularly at low concentrations, is crucial to enforce environmental policies and to reduce harmful exposures. However, current monitoring systems are often based on bulky, costly and energy-intensive technologies that are unsuitable for large-scale deployment or real-time monitorization. In this context, the GREBOS project aims to contribute to address this urgent need by developing new sensing devices that are affordable, scalable, and capable of detecting these harmful compounds in both air and water matrixes. This research aligns with strategic EU objectives like the Horizon Europe framework and the European Green Deal, both emphasizing the goal of achieving cleaner air and water by 2030. To do this, GREBOS explores borophene, a novel 2D nanomaterial composed of boron atoms. Borophene shows very promising properties for sensing, including very high surface area, tunable electronic properties, and high chemical reactivity. Also, thanks to its electron-deficient nature, borophene can strongly interact with pollutant molecules while operating at room temperature. This is translated into a considerable reduction of the power requirements, a key point for developing dense sensor networks in urban or remote areas. Yet, practical applications have been limited by issues like oxidation of the borophene surface and interference of ambient moisture. GREBOS aims to contribute towards the development of low-powered, affordable, and highly sensitive sensors by pursuing the following objectives: 1. Design a green synthesis route for borophene using liquid-phase exfoliation, avoiding complex, costly and energy-intensive methods like molecular beam epitaxy. 2. Functionalize the borophene by plasma methods (e.g. fluorine doping) to enhance the sensing performance and nanomaterial properties. 3. Develop novel sensors to detect nitrogen-based pollutants in gas (e.g., NO2) and water (e.g., nitrates) matrixes. 4. Investigate the sensing mechanisms through advanced characterization, to bridge theoretical predictions with experimental observations. The GREBOS project contributes to some EU policy goals, including the Zero Pollution Action Plan, by offering new tools for environmental monitoring. Its interdisciplinary approach combining nanomaterials science, electronics, and environmental monitoring helps pave the way for the next generation of smart, miniaturized and sustainable sensors. These efforts support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, and 11, and the expected benefits range from improved public health to cleaner cities and better industrial technology.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз