Background Bismuth-containing III-V semiconductor alloys have received considerable attention as materials for optoelectronic devices operating in the mid- and long-wave infrared spectrum. The infrared spectrum finds important applications in both commerce and government, including medical imaging and diagnostics, autonomous vehicle sensors, telecommunications,...

Metal diboride nanomaterials have recently garnered interest due to their promising applications. Theoretical treatments have predicted that these boron compounds could provide novel electronic properties and in some cases, electrical conductivity that exceeds that of carbon nanotubes. Additionally, these materials are likely to exhibit extreme temperature...