Self-assembled array of boron oxide nanowires on Mg surface

A vitreous layer of boron oxide was formed on Mg ribbons by infrared (IR) irradiation of B + B2O3 powders (10:1 in molar ratio). The surface layer exhibits an evolution from the honeycomb pattern to self-assembled array of boron oxide nanowires depending on the irradiation time. The boron oxide nanowires, approximate 40–100 nm in diameter and 1–2 μm in length, are of amorphous nature. The nanowires are likely to be grown in a self-assembled feature during the cooling process of molten B2O3 and oxidized boron.