Investigating the Electrical Properties of Monolayer and Bilayer h‐BNs via Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is one of the most important 2D materials which attracts tremendous attention for the demonstrated great potential applications in optical and electronic devices. However, whether there are significant differences in the electrical properties of h‐BN with different layers and its mechanism is not revealed clearly. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology, the electrical properties of monolayer h‐BN and bilayer h‐BN are investigated. It is found that bilayer h‐BN shows quite different electrical characteristics from monolayer h‐BN. It is proposed that the difference of work functions between monolayer h‐BN and bilayer h‐BN contributes to the different electrical characteristics. Meanwhile, the interlayer coupling resistance due to coupling between the layers of h‐BN also plays a vital role in electron transport. Besides, the effect of load force on electrical characteristics of h‐BN with different layers is also investigated. This work provides a new insight to understand the effect of the different layers on electrical properties of h‐BN. It is hoped that this valuable experimental data can offer meaningful suggestions for future studies and applications on h‐BN and other 2D nanomaterials in general.

In situ via Contact to hBN-Encapsulated Air-Sensitive Atomically Thin Semiconductors

“…The PFG maintains linear I tip – V substrate behavior, similar to that of the pristine graphene, indicating Ohmic contact from the Cu to the tip. In contrast, monolayer hBN on Cu exhibits a nonlinear I tip – V substrate curve (green) with a turn-on voltage at around ±1.5 V, suggesting a Schottky contact, consistent with previous refs , . These results are consistent across different loading forces, ranging from 20 to 100 nN.…”

Preparation of Fe3O4@CA/BNNS/AgNP Magnetic Microspheres and Photocatalysis of Dyes

“…Hexagonal boron nitride (H-BN) is a remarkable two-dimensional sheet material that exhibits a crystal structure and physical properties akin to those of graphite. Also recognized as “white graphite”, H-BN has good electrical insulation, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and good lubricity as well as a large adsorption surface area, which reduces potential barrier and eliminates secondary contamination during the catalytic process. Consequently, H-BN is a desirable choice with huge potential value in a variety of practical uses, such as formation of h-BN/ε-Fe 2 O 3 and h-BN/MoS 2 composites to enhance photocatalytic performance and solar energy conversion.…”