Differently oxidized portions of functionalized hexagonal boron nitride

Functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride envisages a wide research avenue. Large-scale functionalization of the hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) through oxidation in oxygen environment at 1000 °C followed by hydrolyzation is an easy and efficient technique to afford functionalized hBN. During the oxidation process, at high temperature the surface of hBN sinters and offers resistance in oxygen supply to the bulk mass rendering non-uniform oxidation. This work identifies different functionalized hBN phases based on the degree of oxidation of the hexagonal sheets and highlights the impact of dispersion and settling time on the phase separation/identification of functionalized hBN. The variation in the oxygen content of the hBN surface controls dispersion properties, surface, and physical properties. The degree of oxidation influences the surface texture and morphology, induces surface cracks and dislocation, different phases of functionalized hBN has been analyzed by FTIR, XRD, Raman spectra TEM and BET surface area analysis.