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Boron Nitride Nanosheet Dispersion at High Concentrations
Hongbo Jiang1, Qiran Cai1, Srikanth Mateti1
1Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a simple mechanochemical method to create highly concentrated, stable dispersions of functionalized boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs). This breakthrough enables new applications in composite materials, membranes, and energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are crucial for advanced applications like composite materials, membranes, and energy storage.
- Achieving stable, high-concentration BNNS dispersions is challenging due to poor inherent dispersibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for preparing highly dispersible, functionalized BNNSs.
- To demonstrate the utility of these dispersions in coatings and membranes.
Main Methods:
- A mechanochemical exfoliation technique was employed to functionalize BNNSs.
- Dispersibility of amino- and hydroxyl-functionalized BNNSs was investigated.
- High-concentration dispersions were prepared and characterized.
Main Results:
- Amino-modified BNNSs (BNNS-NH2) achieved a stable concentration of 46 ± 2 mg/mL in ethanol for 3 months.
- A facile painting method using high-concentration dispersions created uniform, insulating, and antioxidant BNNS coatings.
- Functionalized BNNS membranes showed enhanced ion selectivity for water purification.
Conclusions:
- The developed mechanochemical method offers an efficient route to stable, high-concentration BNNS dispersions.
- These dispersions unlock new possibilities for BNNS applications, including advanced coatings and selective membranes.
