Synthesis and characterisation of reduced graphene oxide-boron nitride nanotubes hybrid

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have unique features but show different properties. Typically, BNNT with a bandgap of 6 eV is an electrically insulating material, while graphene can be a metallic or semiconducting material. In this study, rGO was synthesised by Hummer's method and reduction process. BNNTs were produced from co-precipitation. The production of a new hybrid structure of rGO and BNNTs was performed by using the liquid-phase exfoliation and sonication method. The morphological evaluation of the hybrid showed that layers were successfully exfoliated. The BNNTs were effectively incorporated with rGO layers. The composite layers were overlapped and transparent, where the BNNTs under the rGO layers were clearly visible. The absorption analysis showed that the hybrid absorbed more light than pure rGO and BNNTs. As a result of the analyses, it was evident that the hybrid nanocomposite containing rGO and BNNTs were successfully produced.