Time dependent decomposition of ammonia borane for the controlled production of 2D hexagonal boron nitride. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Babenko, Vitaliy; Lane, George; Koos, Antal; Murdock, Adrian; So, Karwei; Britton, Jude; Meysami, Seyyed; Moffat, Jonathan; Grobert, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Scientific reports. Volume 7:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Natural history -- Research -- Periodicals; Biology -- Research -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 502.85
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14663-8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2322

Abstract

Abstract Ammonia borane (AB) is among the most promising precursors for the large-scale synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Its non-toxic and non-flammable properties make AB particularly attractive for industry. AB decomposition under CVD conditions, however, is complex and hence has hindered tailored h-BN production and its exploitation. To overcome this challenge, we report in-depth decomposition studies of AB under industrially safe growth conditions.In situ mass spectrometry revealed a time and temperature-dependent release of a plethora of Nx By -containing species and, as a result, significant changes of the N:B ratio during h-BN synthesis. Such fluctuations strongly influence the formation and morphology of 2D h-BN. By means ofin situ gas monitoring and regulating the precursor temperature over time we achieve uniform release of volatile chemical species over many hours for the first time, paving the way towards the controlled, industrially viable production of h-BN.