Tuning Properties of Layered Materials Based on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Methylation: A Density Functional Theory...

In this work, the rational design of optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional materials based on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by functionalization by methyl (CH₃) groups is proposed. Using density functional theory, we examine the functionalization of single- or double-layer systems with either CH₃ radicals alone or with both CH₃ (cations) and chlorine (anions), i. e., under conditions of homolytic or heterolytic splitting of CH₃Cl precursor molecules, respectively. Different degrees of methylation (coverages) are considered. The methylation of pure h-BN leads to a reduction of the band gap, while in h-BN/G heterostructures (with methylated graphene layer), methylation increases the band gap. As a consequence, h-BN/G heterostructures offer a high tunability of their optoelectronic properties. To guide possible experiments, vibrational properties and spectra of methylated h-BN and methylated h-BN/G are determined.