Facile synthesis of 3D boron nitride nanoflowers composed of vertically aligned nanoflakes and fabrication of graphene-like BN by exfoliation

Here, we present a facile solid phase method for preparing unique, 3D hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoflowers, which are composed of vertically aligned BN nanoflakes. The growth process of BN nanoflowers is well-controlled by appropriately changing the reaction times and can be explained by a delayed-release mechanism. These BN nanoflowers present good thermal stability and high specific surface area. In addition, the nanoflakes composing the nanoflowers can be easily exfoliated into few-layered graphene-like BN, which is readily dispersible in strong polar organic solvents. By FTIR spectra and theoretical calculation, it is believed that the interaction of BN nanosheet and solvent predominately induces the exfoliation of graphene-like BN. Furthermore, the graphene-like BN film displays superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 140°.