Solid-state synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional hexagonal BCN nanosheet using a free template method

Abstract

The ternary composition of boron carbon nitride (BCN) nanosheet was synthesized through a solid-state reaction in a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h at 900 °C. The precursors used, which included urea, boric acid and d-glucose, were inexpensive, and the method used for synthesis was simple, low cost, and free template method. The synthesized porous powder was characterized by methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Graphene-like BxCyNz with BC0.41N1.03 composition had a specific surface area of 353 m2/g. The average diameter of the pores using the Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda (BJH) model was 20.07 nm, which showed that the synthesized powder was mesoporous. XRD test showed the formation of BCN structure without the presence of any impurities, and its crystal size was 9.63 nm. The presence of bonds BN, CN, CN, and BC in the FTIR spectrum showed that the material synthesized by the solid-state process was BCN. According to FESEM results, the sample showed a two-dimensional sheet-like structure with a crumpled morphology. Raman Spectrum showed the thickness of the nanosheets was 88.4 nm. XPS results showed that the final product contained all the CC, BC, BN, and CN bonds. The molar ratio of B:C:N was 1:0.41:1.03, respectively, which indicated that the chemical formula was BC0.41N1.03. As a result, the method used in this research can increase the potential of using this porous powder with a high specific surface area as a lubricant, thermal insulation filler, anti-corrosion filler in paint coatings, adsorption of various gas and hydrocarbon molecules, as well as the application of drug-delivery nanocarriers.