Green and efficient production of boron nitride nanosheets via oxygen doping-facilitated liquid exfoliation

As the structural analogue of graphene, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are anticipated to have a wide range of potential applications. BNNSs exhibit good mechanical properties, outstanding thermal conductivity, oxidation and chemical stability and are excellent electrical insulators. While BNNSs have gained recognition as one of the most versatile 2D materials in recent years, their application in research and industry is still hampered by the lack of methods to produce BNNSs in large quantity and a cost-effective way. In this study, we report highly efficient h-BN exfoliation via the oxygen doping-facilitated liquid exfoliation. Oxygen atoms are introduced into the hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) structure via a facile thermal treatment. The relationship of thermal treatment, structural changes and h-BN exfoliation are studied to elucidate the key factor for advancing the BNNS production. The optimum concentration of hydroxyl groups and weakening of interlayer interactions have synergistically facilitated the delamination of h-BN in water under mild exfoliation conditions, resulting in up to 1255% yield increment and without noticeable new defects in the BNNS structure as compared with the untreated control. An efficient and environmentally friendly exfoliation process of h-BN is a crucial starting point towards the cost-effective and mass production of BNNSs which is needed for the currently identified and myriad future applications of BNNSs.