The covalently functionalization of exfoliated Boron Nitride Nanosheets (BNNSs) by dihalocarbene radical species is presented in this work. Completing a series of radical covalent chemistry of h-BN, including nitrene and oxygen radical addition, covalent carbene addition to the sp2 hybridized h-BN lattice is presented. Extensive characterization of the nature of the covalent functionalization of the h-BN lattice has been performed. In contrast to previous radical bonding pathways, in this work the formation of novel BCN ring structures at the surface of h-BN nanosheets is presented and the reaction pathway proposed. The synthetic methodology utilized in this work demonstrates the use of exfoliated BNNSs as autocatalytic tertiary amine nanosheets in the phase-transfer catalyst mediated covalent functionalization. The use of the BNNSs to facilitate phase-transfer catalysis is explored in addition to the use of reactive radical species as a means by which the typically inert h-BN lattice may be functionalized.The presence of dihalo functional groups at the surface of the BNNSs is explored in terms of modification to the electronic band gap of the wide band gap semiconductor and also in the ability for functional groups to act as reaction centers for subsequent derivitization chemistry. Functionalized BNNSs are integrated within epoxy resin to form BNNS:epoxy nanocomposites and their mechanical properities evaluated. Significant enhancement of mechanical properties is presented and the impact of functional chemistry on the ability to disperse and integrate BNNSs explored.

Radical covalent functionalization of boron nitride nanomaterials

248th National Meeting (2014)

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