Negative differential resistance and magnetoresistance in zigzag borophene nanoribbons

Since borophene has been grown experimentally, its extraordinary characteristics have attracted more and more attentions. In this paper, we construct pristine zigzag-edged borophene nanoribbons (ZBNRs) of different widths to study the transport properties, using the first-principles calculations. The differences of the quantum transport properties are discussed, where even-N ZBNRs and odd-N ZBNRs have different current–voltage relationships. Especially, the negative differential resistance (NDR) can be observed within certain bias range in 5-ZBNR and 7-ZBNR, while 6-ZBNR behaves like a metal whose current rises with the increase of the voltage. Moreover, borophene nanoribbon shows interesting magnetic transport properties. The spin-filtering effect can be revealed when the two electrodes have opposite magnetization directions. Besides, the magnetoresistance effect appears to exist in even-N ZBNRs and the maximum value can reach 70%. The mechanisms of these phenomena are proposed in detail.