Efficient mixed solvent strategy for boron nitride exfoliation

Abstract

Boron nitride (BN), a two-dimensional white solid layered material has potential applications in its exfoliated form. In the present study, a novel facile mixed solvent strategy has been introduced for the development of Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS). The results demonstrated successive exfoliation of the bulk material in a mixed solution of Benzyl Benzoate (BB) and Dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) used as the surface modifier aided the exfoliation process. BN and CTAB has taken in the ratio of 1:1 has resulted in better exfoliation than that in the ratio 1:1.5. Prepared samples were characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and TGA. The implications of the novel exfoliation strategy are discussed and interpreted.