Functionalized boron nitride porous solids. Issue 114 (3rd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sudeep, P. M.; Vinod, S.; Ozden, S.; Sruthi, R.; Kukovecz, Akos; Konya, Zoltan; Vajtai, Robert; Anantharaman, M. R.; Ajayan, P. M.; Narayanan, Tharangattu N.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 5:Issue 114(2015)
• Page Start: 93964
• Page End: 93968
• Publication Date: 2015-11-03
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19091f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A demonstration of the chemical functionalization of h-BN flakes and a template free approach for the development of macroscopic porous h-BN solids. Abstract : Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), also known as white graphene, is well known for its chemical inertness. Recent studies indicate that functionalization of h-BN can tune its physico-chemical properties, including its electrical conductivity. Here we propose a method for the functionalization of h-BN flakes with various oxygen functionalities to make a graphite oxide analogue of h-BN, with a view to develop cross-linked, low-density (∼40 mg cm −3 ), and porous h-BN solids, as have been recently well cited for graphene and graphite oxide. For the first time, a macro-porous low density h-BN monolith foam is developed via a single step template free chemical route followed by a lyophilisation process. h-BN is known for its high thermal stability, and here oil adsorption by the foam (∼2 g g −1 ) and complete burning of the adsorbed oil without disrupting the h-BN skeleton were demonstrated indicating the flexibility of tuning the morphology of the h-BN in bulk, like graphite, without losing its inherent physical properties, opening new avenues for h-BN in the energy and environment related fields.