Machine learning behind beta boron bonding breakthrough

c8sc03427c f4

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Study resolves long-standing uncertainty over structure of boron

Scientists in China have combined a potential energy sampling method termed stochastic surface walking (SSW) with machine learning to explore the potential energy surface of β-B. β-B is believed to be the most stable phase of solid boron, but its atomic structure had remained unclear – until now.