Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Hydrothermally Exfoliated Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Applications in Electrochemistry

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) morphology of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), owing to its peculiar characteristics of non-toxicity and uniquely featured oxidation resistance has attracted extensive attention in electrochemical applications. Here, we report a facile top-down approach for the successful synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) through a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The structural and spectroscopic characterizations have been performed using XRD, FT-IR, Raman and UV-Visible Spectroscopy that reveals incorporation of maximum induced strain, multifunctional groups and formation of few layers h-BNNS. The nanosheets morphology is confirmed by series of characterizations (SEM, TEM, and AFM) revealing the large lateral size and relatively low surface roughness of h-BNNS. The electrodes for electrochemical characterizations are prepared using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique onto ITO substrates with the help of magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO3)2·6H2O] as a mediator. Electrochemical Studies has been performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) with Ferro-ferricyanide [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as a redox couple. Cyclic voltammogram of h-BNNS (Ipa = 1.29 mA and Ipc = −1.23 mA) indicates 69.96% enhancement in redox peaks current and 71.04% rise in electro-active surface area with respect to Bulk h-BN. The electrochemical studies uncover the potential of h-BNNS in the development of electroanalytical devices in applications such as sensing, anticorrosion, energy conversion and energy storage applications owing to their enhanced redox peaks, large electroactive surface area, and reduced charge transfer resistance as well as the admittance of Warburg element.

Shock Wave-Assisted Exfoliation of 2D-Material-Based Polymer Nanocomposites: A Breakthrough in Nanotechnology

“…The customarily utilized approaches deployed by investigators include the chemical reaction and intercalation methods. Moreover, this technique is characterized by its scalability, generation of autogenic pressure, usage of lower temperatures, environmental friendliness, ability to dissolve insolvable substances at greater concentrations when subjected to supercritical hydrothermal conditions, and enhanced yield in contrast with solid-state reactions and chemical vapor deposition methods . For instance, Ma et al synthesized exfoliated ultrafine hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNs) via the hydrothermal technique employing KOH/NaOH solution.…”

“…Moreover, this technique is characterized by its scalability, generation of autogenic pressure, usage of lower temperatures, environmental friendliness, ability to dissolve insolvable substances at greater concentrations when subjected to supercritical hydrothermal conditions, and enhanced yield in contrast with solid-state reactions and chemical vapor deposition methods. 78 For instance, Ma et al 79 80 The layered MoS 2 -based catalysts were further subjected to modifications with molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) nanoparticles along the surface and periphery and demonstrated enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction efficacy while rendering greater current density values of 1000 mA/cm 2 at an overvoltage of 412 mV. The productivity of the aforestated mineral-derived electro-catalyst was found to be two-folds greater than the formerly delineated values, while the cost estimates of the mineralderived electrocatalyst was depreciated by five times compared to the conventionally employed platinum-based electrocatalysts.…”

Recent progress and opportunities in 2D-material quantum dots: synthesis, doping, characterization, and applications

“…The hBN is isoelectronic to carbon lattice, and it is a sp 2 bonded material. The structure of hBN consists of boron and nitrogen atoms in a 1:1 ratio [13]. Hexagonal Boron nitride is one of the crystal structures of boron nitride.…”

Exploring the Enhanced Electrochemical Activity of V2O5/h-BN: Investigating Its Structural Dynamics for Asymmetric Supercapacitors

“…BN is well-suitable for electrochemical applications, as it exhibits better surface adsorption, thermal and chemical stability, better sensitivity, and reusability. 27 As there are chances for transition materials such as V 2 O 5 to alter its oxidation state when it combines with other materials during doping or compositing, the thermal stability of h-BN until 1000 °C and its resistance toward oxidation facilitate V 2 O 5 to retain the V +5 oxidation state after the overall process. 28 The weak van der Waals 2D structure facilitates faster ionic transport and a rapid faradaic reaction, helping electrochemical capacitive applications.…”