The two-dimensional boron nitride hierarchical nanostructures: Controllable synthesis and superhydrophobicity

Layered boron nitride materials are used as superb protective coatings and reinforcing materials due to their high mechanical strength and chemical inertness. Herein, we report on the synthesis of two dimensional boron nitride (2D-BN) hierarchical nanostructures by a facile and efficient approach using boric acid (H3BO3) and hexamethylenetetramine (C6H12N4) as a reaction precursors. Our findings indicate that 2D hierarchical nanostructure was an assembling of BN quantum dots and exhibit varied wetting properties. The shape, size, and thickness of the BN quantum dots were well controlled by properly adjusting the growth parameters. With changing the temperature and other reaction conditions as well as ratios of reactants, the average size of BN quantum dots varies from 35 nm to 5 nm. Strong superhydrophobic properties with the contact angle of 155 degrees are obtained for 2D-BN. These 2D-BN nanostructure possesses the properties conflicting to carbon nanomaterials such as high temperature stability, high chemical inertness and intrinsically semiconducting and may find application in nanoelectronics, catalyst support, as a composite materials and self-cleaning coatings etc., especially those working in harsh environment and at high temperature.