A significant advancement in understanding how Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a two-dimensional material, develops alongside its nanostructures on metal surfaces could lead to improved electronics, sustainable energy solutions, and eco-friendly chemical manufacturing, as reported by new research from the University of Surrey.
A significant advancement in understanding how Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a two-dimensional material, develops alongside its nanostructures on metal surfaces could lead to improved electronics, sustainable energy solutions, and eco-friendly chemical manufacturing, as reported by new research from the University of Surrey.
HBN, which is just one atom thick and often referred to as “white graphene,” is an incredibly thin and durable material. It has the ability to block electrical currents, endure extreme temperatures, and resist chemical breakdowns. This remarkable adaptability makes hBN an essential element in high-tech electronics, where it not only shields sensitive microchips but also supports the creation of quicker, more efficient transistors.
Additionally, researchers have successfully created nanoporous hBN, an innovative material characterized by structured voids that facilitate selective absorption and advanced catalytic processes. This enhances its potential for environmental applications, such as detecting and filtering pollutants, and improving advanced energy systems like hydrogen storage and electrochemical catalysts for fuel cells.
Dr. Marco Sacchi, the primary author of the study and an Associate Professor at Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, stated:
“Our work illuminates the atomic-level processes that underpin the formation of this extraordinary material and its nanostructures. By comprehending these mechanisms, we can tailor materials with unparalleled accuracy, fine-tuning their properties for a range of groundbreaking technologies.”
In partnership with Graz University of Technology in Austria, the research team led by Dr. Marco Sacchi, with theoretical contributions from Dr. Anthony Payne and Dr. Neubi Xavier, integrated density functional theory and microkinetic modelling to chart the growth of hBN from borazine precursors. They focused on essential molecular activities such as diffusion, decomposition, adsorption and desorption, polymerization, and dehydrogenation. This methodology allowed them to create an atomic-scale model enabling hBN growth at various temperatures.
The insights gained from their theoretical simulations correspond closely with experimental findings from the Graz research team, paving the way for the controlled, high-quality production of hBN with tailored designs and functionalities.
Dr. Anton Tamtögl, the lead researcher at TU Graz, noted:
“Earlier studies did not take into account all these intermediates nor did they explore such an extensive range of parameters (temperature and particle density). We believe this will prove beneficial in guiding the chemical vapor deposition growth of hBN on additional metallic substrates, along with the synthesis of nanoporous or functionalized structures.”
This research has been published in Small, with support from the UK’s HPC Materials Chemistry Consortium and the Austrian Science Fund.
