Growth of vertically aligned BN nanosheets via Fe-catalyzed thermal chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) demonstrated potential applications for ultraviolet (UV) nanoelectronics, catalytic support, electron field emission, and many other areas. However, their extensive industrial application is limited by the complicated conventional procedures for scalable preparations. In this study, vertically aligned BNNSs were directly synthesized without any substrates using Fe-catalyzed thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method under a NH 3 gas flow at 1200 °C via the catalytic pyrolysis of the inorganic hybrid precursor. BNNSs grew via an Oswald ripening process assisted by oriented attachment mechanism under Fe catalyzed by analyzing the evolution process. Most nanosheets are <10 nm thick, and the number of constituent layers is typically between 10 and 20 nm. BNNSs improved crystallinity, had high UV light emission, and had excellent anti-oxidation behavior because of their unique structures. The development of a simple, high yield and environmentally friendly synthesis method for BNNSs allows for the exploration of industrial upscaling applications. • Vertically aligned BNNSs deposited by a catalytic-thermal CVD route without substrates. • The inorganic precursor was prepared by a sample wet chemical synthesis methods. • BNNSs exhibited enhanced crystallinity and UV light emission as well as remarkable oxidation resistance. • BNNSs grow via an Oswald ripening process assisted by the oriented attachment mechanism.