Graphene: Hexagonal Boron Nitride Composite Films with Low-Resistance for Flexible Electronics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Conductive Polymers

Background:

• Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene are 2D materials with unique electronic properties.
• Conductive polymers like PEDOT:PSS are used to enhance material conductivity.
• Composite materials offer tunable properties for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural and electrical properties of h-BN:graphene composites.
• To evaluate the effect of PEDOT:PSS and ethylene glycol additives on composite performance.
• To explore the potential of these composites in electronic devices.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nanometer-sized graphene and h-BN flakes using plasma.
• Preparation of composite suspensions with PEDOT:PSS and ethylene glycol.
• Fabrication and electrical characterization of composite films under tensile strain.

Main Results:

• Addition of >10^-3 mass% PEDOT:PSS with ethylene glycol decreased film resistance by 4-5 orders of magnitude.
• PEDOT:PSS and ethylene glycol synergistically enhanced composite conductivity and film flexibility.
• Composite films exhibited hysteresis and negative differential resistance at specific component ratios.

Conclusions:

• PEDOT:PSS and ethylene glycol significantly improve the electrical properties of h-BN:graphene composites.
• The enhanced composites demonstrate improved flexibility and potential for electronic applications.
• These materials are promising for use as electrodes or active elements in logic and signal processing devices.