Binary and Ternary Atomic Layers Built from Carbon, Boron, and Nitrogen

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic layers derived from bulk layered materials are very interesting from both scientific and application viewpoints, as evidenced from the story of graphene. Atomic layers of several such materials such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and dichalcogenides are examples that complement graphene. The observed unconventional properties of graphene has triggered interest in doping the hexagonal honeycomb lattice of graphene with atoms such as boron (B) and nitrogen (N) to obtain new layered structures. Individual atomic layers containing B, C, and N of various compositions conform to several stable phases in the three-component phase diagram of B-C-N. Additionally, stacking layers built from C and BN allows for the engineering of new van-der-Waals stacked materials with novel properties. In this paper, the synthesis, characterization, and properties of atomically thin layers, containing B, C, and N, as well as vertically assembled graphene/h-BN stacks are reviewed. The electrical, mechanical, and optical properties of graphene, h-BN, and their hybrid structure are also discussed along with the applications of such materials.

Photocatalytic water oxidation by layered Co/h-BCN hybrids

“…These researches indicate that photon absorbing materials can be constituted by using lightweight elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and boron, opening up new opportunities for the selection of innovative and intriguing materials for artificial photosynthesis. It is of particular interest that some of these elements themselves (graphene [21], silicone [22]) or their combinations (h-BN, g-C 3 N 4 ) [23] can form layered structures with reduced thickness comparable to charge-diffusion distance, and thus if a semiconducting electronic structure was imparted in these materials, the fast separation of light-induced charge carrier would significantly benefit surface photoredox process that relied on the excitation and separation of electron-hole pairs and their subsequent participation in surface chemical reactions [24][25][26]. An interesting case of such a layered material is ternary h-BCN with tuneable ba nd gap energies between graphene (zero bandgap) and h-BN (bandgap = 5.6 eV) [27], which have the same atomic structure and share many similar properties.…”

Band Gap Engineering of Hybrid 2-D Nanomaterials Some Recent Developments

“…Instead of realizing purely uniform homogeneous phases, even patchy compositions of different constituents were formed at isolated locations as identified in structural analyses. The examples cited here show very clearly that once optimal route of synthesis is identified; the utility of the resultant band gap designed nanomaterials will start touching an altogether newer horizon of their applications in near future [11].…”

“…A controlled mixing of these two lattices in lateral and vertical stacking produces a series of superlattices. Theoretical studies of BNC nanostructures show them usable in nano-electronics, optical devices, field emission, catalysis, lubrication, and gas storage [11,12,[19][20][21][22].…”

3D white graphene foam scavengers: vesicant-assisted foaming boosts the gram-level yield and forms hierarchical pores for superstrong pollutant removal applications

“…4 However, for some specific applications, such as the adsorption of various contaminants and as electrodes in electrochemical cells, their pristine flat 2D structures have been recognized to not fully match the practical requirements. [5][6][7][8] In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) architectures using 2D crystals as building blocks can simultaneously provide the virtues of 2D and 3D structures, such as ultrathin sheets and large specific surface areas from 2D sheets 6 and hierarchical pores and ultralight densities from 3D configurations.…”

“…NPG Asia Materials (2015) 7, e168; doi:10.1038/am.2015.8; published online 27 March 2015 INTRODUCTION Two-dimensional (2D) crystals, such as graphene 1 and white graphene (WG, mono-or few-layered hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)), 2,3 have triggered great interest because of their extraordinary intrinsic properties and wide range of applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage and the environment. 4 However, for some specific applications, such as the adsorption of various contaminants and as electrodes in electrochemical cells, their pristine flat 2D structures have been recognized to not fully match the practical requirements. [5][6][7][8] In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) architectures using 2D crystals as building blocks can simultaneously provide the virtues of 2D and 3D structures, such as ultrathin sheets and large specific surface areas from 2D sheets 6 and hierarchical pores and ultralight densities from 3D configurations.…”