Two dimensional (2D) materials have recently demonstrated to have outstanding properties and endless applications in the field of nanocatalysis. One of these 2D materials is hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a layered material with an atomic structure of alternating boron and nitrogen atoms in a hexagonal geometry in each layer with outstanding thermal and chemical stability. hBN, although it is an insulator, has similar properties to graphite and other carbon material that are used as supports of metals catalysts. A promising alternative for new catalysts with non-carbon supports is the use of hBN as the support material for metals nanoparticles. Therefore, we propose a novel synthesis for making 2D hBN with supported metals nanoparticles. Initially, a reductive intercalation of hBN with Potassium0 was implemented to make K(hBN)4. The intercalated K(hBN)4 serves as a multifunctional material, that was chemically exfoliated to make 2D hBN dispersions, or the 2D hBN supported metal nanoparticles. The resulting exfoliated 2D hBN was characterized using Atomic Forces Microscopy (AFM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) to confirm their physical characteristics. Moreover, the intercalated K(hBN)4 was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and transport measurements at low temperatures. The 2D hBN with supported metals nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), HRTEM imaging to confirm their reduced state of metallic nanoparticles in the 2D hBN, and their structure characteristics. Additionally, electrochemical measurements were made to test the electrocatalytic activity of the material for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium compared to commercially used catalyst.

2D hexagonal boron nitride-supported metals nanoparticles

ACS Spring 2022

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