Solution Processed Boron Nitride Nanosheets: Synthesis, Assemblies and Emerging Applications

5 years ago

Solution Processed Boron Nitride Nanosheets: Synthesis, Assemblies and Emerging Applications

Bao Yang, Yi Lin, Liangbing Hu, Yanbin Wang, Emily Hitz, Wei Luo

In the last decade, few-layer boron nitride nanosheets and monolayer BN nanosheet (BNNS) have gained much attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. To date, BNNS can be produced by micromechanical cleavage of BN crystal, unzipping BN nanotubes, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solution processed exfoliation from bulk BN powder. Due to the low cost and abundance of bulk BN powder and its simple processing for potentially scalable production, great efforts have been devoted toward solution processed exfoliation. In this feature article, recent significant advances in solution processed synthesis of BNNS are summarized. In particular, the solvent choice for one-step BN exfoliation is highlighted. Multi-dimensional assemblies consisting of BNNS are discussed, such as BN fiber, BN paper, and BN aerogel. The emerging applications of BNNS in different fields are then focused on, especially in barrier materials, dielectrics, catalysts, and thermal management. Boron nitride (BN) is an important material in the family of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Advanced applications of few-layer or monolayer BN nanosheet prepared by solution processed methods, including one-step sonication, surface modification, and ball-mill-assisted are rapidly emerging as an exciting area of research that is attracting considerable attention from both industry and academia.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201701450