Isolating hydrogen in hexagonal boron nitride bubbles by a plasma treatment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is known for its exceptional thermal and chemical stability.
• Its properties make it a promising material for gas barrier applications under extreme conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the isolation of hydrogen in h-BN bubbles using plasma treatment.
• To investigate the properties and stability of these hydrogen-filled h-BN bubbles.
• To explore the potential applications of this hydrogen isolation method.

Main Methods:

• Plasma treatment of atomically thin h-BN films to create hydrogen bubbles.
• Detailed characterization using techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).
• Thermal stability tests in air up to 800°C.

Main Results:

• Successful isolation of hydrogen within h-BN bubbles without altering the substrate.
• h-BN bubbles demonstrated remarkable thermal stability, withstanding 800°C in air.
• STEM revealed a unique aligned porous stacking in h-BN multilayers, enabling atomic hydrogen transparency and molecular hydrogen impermeability.
• Demonstrated extraction of hydrogen from various gaseous compounds and mixtures.

Conclusions:

• Atomically thin h-BN can be utilized to create stable hydrogen bubbles through plasma treatment.
• The unique porous structure of h-BN is key to its selective hydrogen permeability.
• This method offers potential for applications in hydrogen storage and nano/micro-electromechanical systems.