Atomically Thin Boron Nitride: Unique Properties and Applications

• Published in: Advanced functional materials Vol. 26; no. 16; pp. 2594 - 2608
• Main Authors: Li, Lu Hua, Chen, Ying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 25.04.2016
• Subjects: Boron nitride; Carbon; Graphene; nanoribbons; nanosheets; Nanostructure; Oxidation resistance; Raman spectroscopy; Two dimensional; two-dimensional nanomaterials; Ultraviolet
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201504606

Atomically thin boron nitride (BN) is an important 2D nanomaterial, with many properties distinct from graphene. In this feature article, these unique properties and associated applications, often not feasible with graphene, are outlined. The article starts with characterization and identification of atomically thin BN. It is followed by demonstrating their strong oxidation resistance at high temperatures and applications in protecting metals from oxidation and corrosion. As flat insulators, BN nanosheets are ideal dielectric substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and electronic devices based on 2D heterostructures. The light emission of BN nanosheets in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) and ultraviolet (UV) regions is also included for its scientific and technological importance. The last part is dedicated to synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of BN nanoribbons, a special form of nanosheets. Boron nitride (BN) nanosheets have many properties distinct from graphene, and therefore enable applications not available to the carbon counterpart. In this Feature Article, the unique properties and novel applications of BN nanosheets are summarized.