Boron nitride (BN) is important in a wide range of technical domains, including mechanical and electrical devices, due to its exceptional mechanical qualities and unique electronic structure. With the increased interest of researchers in the plasma-assisted synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and pristine BN, plasma modification of 2D BN is now proving to be a means of modifying and controlling material properties.
Alfa Chemistry has recently focused on better understanding the fundamental properties of BN and their possible uses. Alfa Chemistry is still in the exploratory stage for plasma modification of BN, compared to the significant study on graphene. However, preliminary results have been obtained. Through our proprietary plasma treatment process, we have enabled our customers to change the functioning of their BNs for industrial applications. Our cutting-edge plasma reactor facility will not only improve BN manufacturing process management, but also the consistency and precision of the surface treatment it delivers, ensuring great performance.
Plasma Surface Modification of BN
Alfa Chemistry's scientific team can provide this service by customizing plasma treatment solutions and collaborating closely with our customers. Please submit clear and correct information about your material modification requirements, as well as timely material samples (for our research and testing), since this will assist Alfa Chemistry improve its surface treatment capabilities.
- S-heteroatom doping by adding sulfur powder to the plasma and amine-functionalized surfaces of BN nanotubes by introducing NH3 gas to the plasma are examples of in-situ and non-in-situ plasma modification of nanocrystalline BN films.
- We induce the transition from insulator to semiconductor by hydrogenation of h-BN nanosheets by ex situ H2 plasma treatment and C doping by ex situ CH4 plasma treatment to change the electronic characteristics of h-BN. Similarly, non-in situ low-power O2 plasma treatment of CVD h-BN causes alternative O doping, lowering the resistance by a factor of 100 and narrowing the band gap from 6 eV to 4.31 eV. Carbon doping in vertically oriented h-BN nanowalls improves conductivity in a similar way.
- We employed air plasma treatment to modify the surface wettability of vertically oriented BN nanosheets as well. With increasing hydroxyl functionalization, a significant transition from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic is accomplished. Microplasma solution treatment of h-BN powders in organic solvents to form BN nanosheets is an example of this type of modification that can improve the dispersibility of BN nanomaterials.
In addition to plasma, Alfa Chemistry offers a variety of conventional treatments that can be used to chemically functionalize BN nanomaterials with hydroxyl, alkoxy, amino, amine, alkyl, acyl and halogen groups as well as heteroatoms.
Fig 1. (a)-(c) Effects of air plasma treatment on the wettability of h-BN. (e) Schematic of plasma treatment of h-BN using a protective mask to modify the exposure of the three regions. (f) XPS O1s spectra of samples from three regions. (g) The wettability changes of h-BN in three regions, the water droplets exhibit superhydrophilic, hydrophobic, and superhydrophobicity. (Zhao J. H, et al. 2018)
Why Choose Us?
- Alfa Chemistry can offer innovative plasma surface modification methods that add functionality to BN and assist meet customer needs using our knowledge and skills. Our plasma treatment technology allows for a wide range of surface modifications.
- Plasma treatment ensures that no materials are harmed or dangerous pollutants are introduced into the environment.
- Plasma therapy is a type of modification that is gentle on the environment. The procedure avoids the need of chemical reagents and other environmentally harmful processes, as well as reducing workplace dangers and expenses.
The development of BN plasma modification is expected to be advantageous in this field. In situ plasma production and modification, in particular, may give more uniform doping and functionalization, allowing for improved control and tunability of h-BN characteristics. Alfa Chemistry is confident in the ability to improve plasma treatment technology on BN surfaces. Plasma treatment technique, we believe, will make BN more appropriate for use in real-world industrial applications and will aid in the solution of real-world challenges.
Reference
- Zhao J. H, et al. (2018). "Recent Progress in Plasma-Assisted Synthesis and Modification of 2D Materials." 2D Materials. 5(3): 032002.
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