Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN): Properties, Synthesis and Applications

What is Hexagonal Boron Nitride?

Hexagonal Boron Nitride, also known as h-BN, is a unique material that has garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to its exceptional properties and versatile applications. Belonging to the same family as graphite, h-BN is a two-dimensional material that exhibits a honeycomb lattice structure composed of alternating Boron and Nitrogen atoms. This material is characterized by its high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical insulation, and chemical inertness, making it a valuable asset in a wide range of industries.

Product List

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Catalog Number	Product Name	Inquiry
ACM10043115-27	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) Powder
ACMA00018447	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) on Copper Foil
ACMA00018448	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) on Si/SiO2
ACMA00020826	CVD Graphene Film/CVD h-BN Film Heterostructure on SiO2/Si wafer: 4 Pack
ACMA00020975	CVD Graphene Film/CVD h-BN Film Heterostructure on SiO2/Si wafer: 8 Pack
ACMA00020978	Multilayer h-BN (Boron Nitride) film grown in copper foil
ACMA00020979	Single layer h-BN (Boron Nitride) film grown on copper foil: 2" x 1"	Inquiry

Properties of Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Hexagonal Boron Nitride boasts a multitude of impressive properties that set it apart from other materials. One of the most notable features of h-BN is its high thermal conductivity, which rivals that of copper. This makes it an excellent heat sink material in electronics and thermal management applications. Additionally, h-BN is an excellent electrical insulator, making it ideal for high-temperature applications where electrical conductivity is undesirable. Its chemical inertness also makes it resistant to harsh chemical environments, further expanding its utility in various industries.

Figure 1. Crystal structure and properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a 2D insulator

Synthesis of Hexagonal Boron Nitride

The synthesis of hexagonal Boron Nitride can be achieved through several methods, each offering unique advantages and challenges. One common approach is the chemical vapor deposition method, where Boron and Nitrogen precursors react at high temperatures to form h-BN layers on a substrate. Another method involves exfoliation of bulk h-BN crystals to obtain thin layers of the material, similar to the process used for graphene production. Regardless of the method employed, careful control of synthesis parameters is crucial to ensure the desired properties of the resulting h-BN material.

Figure 2. Synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)

Applications of Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties, which include high thermal conductivity, chemical stability, lubrication properties, and electrical insulation. Some common applications of hexagonal boron nitride include:

• Thermal management: h-BN is used as a filler material in polymers and composites to enhance thermal conductivity. It is also used as a heat sink material in electronic devices and as a thermal interface material in high-power electronics.
• Lubrication: h-BN is used as a solid lubricant in high-temperature and high-pressure applications. It has low friction properties and can be used in metal forming, cutting, and drilling operations.
• Electrical insulation: h-BN is used as an electrical insulator in electronics and electrical devices. It can be used as a dielectric material in capacitors, insulating coatings, and high-voltage equipment.
• Protective coatings: h-BN can be used as a protective coating for metal surfaces to increase corrosion resistance and wear resistance. It is also used in coatings for cutting tools, molds, and other industrial equipment.
• Aerospace applications: h-BN is used in aerospace applications due to its high thermal stability and chemical resistance. It can be used as a coating material for rocket nozzles, heat shields, and other high-temperature components.
• Optoelectronics: h-BN is used in optoelectronic devices such as LEDs and photodetectors. It can be used as a substrate material for growing high-quality semiconductor materials and for improving the performance of optical devices.
• Nanotechnology: h-BN is used in nanotechnology applications such as nanocomposites, nanoparticles, and nanotubes. It can be used as a reinforcing agent in nanocomposites and as a substrate material for growing other nanostructures.

Overall, hexagonal boron nitride has a wide range of applications across various industries due to its unique combination of properties. Its high thermal conductivity, chemical stability, lubricating properties, and electrical insulation make it an ideal material for use in electronics, aerospace, automotive, and other high-tech industries.

Reference

1. Juma, I. G., et al. Direct growth of hexagonal boron nitride on non-metallic substrates and its heterostructures with graphene. IScience. 2021, 24(11).