Boron Nitride Exfoliation

Hexagonal Boron Nitride Research

Beyond Graphene: The White Graphene Revolution

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), often called “white graphene,” represents the isoelectric analogue of graphite with complementary properties that expand the frontiers of two-dimensional materials applications. While maintaining the layered structure characteristic of graphene, hBN offers unique advantages as an electrical insulator with exceptional thermal conductivity.

Our research demonstrates that hBN can function as a surfactant at oil/water interfaces through our proprietary Solvent Interface Trapping Method (SITM), enabling revolutionary applications in flame-resistant composites and advanced dielectric materials.


Research Focus

Interface-Driven hBN Processing

Our breakthrough work extends SITM methodology to hexagonal boron nitride, demonstrating that hBN nanosheets can stabilize emulsions and enable the formation of low-density, flame-resistant composite materials. This approach provides exceptional property enhancement with remarkably low filler loadings.

Key Innovation: hBN functions as a two-dimensional surfactant, enabling stable emulsion formation and subsequent polymerization to create advanced composite systems with tailored properties.

Chemical Functionalization and Composites

We have developed comprehensive methods for chemical functionalization of boron nitride nanosheets, enhancing solubility in various solvents and promoting strong interfacial interactions with polymeric matrices. This work encompasses thermal exfoliation, surface modification, and composite fabrication strategies.

Applications: Thermally conductive yet electrically insulating composites, flame-retardant materials, and high-performance dielectric films for electronic applications.


Patents

Boron Nitride Polymer Composite Foam Derived from Emulsions Stabilized by Boron Nitride Kinetic Trapping

US Patent No. 11,355,259 B2

Date of Patent: June 7, 2022

Foundational patent covering the extension of interface trapping methodology to hexagonal boron nitride for creating flame-resistant, thermally conductive composite foams.


Publications

Hexagonal Boron Nitride as a Two-Dimensional Surfactant: Low-Density Flame-Resistant Composites Based on Boron Nitride Exfoliated by an Interface Trapping Technique

Chapman, C.M.; Srivastava, D.S.; Ward, S.P.; Cui, Z.; Adamson, D.H.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2024 16, 69901-69907

Differently Oxidized Portions of Functionalized Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Mazhar, H.; Adamson, D.H.; Al-Harthi, M.A.

Materials Chemistry and Physics 2023 308, 128243

Boron Nitride Surface Activity as Route to Composite Dielectric Films

Cui, Z.; Cao, Z.; Ma, R.; Dobrynin, A.V.; Adamson, D.H.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2015 7, 16913-16916

PMMA Functionalized Boron Nitride Sheets as Nanofillers

Cui, Z.; Martinez, A.P.; Adamson, D.H.

Nanoscale 2015 7, 10193-10197

Large Scale Thermal Exfoliation and Functionalization of Boron Nitride

Cui, Z.; Oyer, A.J.; Glover, A.J.; Schniepp, H.C.; Adamson, D.H.

Small 2014 10, 2352-2355


Research Impact

Our hexagonal boron nitride research addresses critical challenges in flame safety, thermal management, and electronic insulation. The development of hBN as a surfactant through SITM opens new pathways for creating advanced materials that combine exceptional safety performance with outstanding thermal properties, contributing to safer and more efficient technologies across multiple industries.