Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Hydrothermally Exfoliated Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Applications in Electrochemistry

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) morphology of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), owing to its peculiar characteristics of non-toxicity and uniquely featured oxidation resistance has attracted extensive attention in electrochemical applications. Here, we report a facile top-down approach for the successful synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) through a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The structural and spectroscopic characterizations have been performed using XRD, FT-IR, Raman and UV-Visible Spectroscopy that reveals incorporation of maximum induced strain, multifunctional groups and formation of few layers h-BNNS. The nanosheets morphology is confirmed by series of characterizations (SEM, TEM, and AFM) revealing the large lateral size and relatively low surface roughness of h-BNNS. The electrodes for electrochemical characterizations are prepared using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique onto ITO substrates with the help of magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO3)2·6H2O] as a mediator. Electrochemical Studies has been performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) with Ferro-ferricyanide [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as a redox couple. Cyclic voltammogram of h-BNNS (Ipa = 1.29 mA and Ipc = −1.23 mA) indicates 69.96% enhancement in redox peaks current and 71.04% rise in electro-active surface area with respect to Bulk h-BN. The electrochemical studies uncover the potential of h-BNNS in the development of electroanalytical devices in applications such as sensing, anticorrosion, energy conversion and energy storage applications owing to their enhanced redox peaks, large electroactive surface area, and reduced charge transfer resistance as well as the admittance of Warburg element.