Convenient synthesis and applications of gram scale boron nitride nanosheets

In this study, gram scale ultrathin (4 nm on average) boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have been prepared through a simple route by using boron oxide, zinc powders and N2H4 center dot 2HCl in a stainless steel autoclave at 500 degrees C. The high thermal stability and high specific surface area (226 m(2) g(-1)) of these BNNSs enable them to be candidates for the high efficiency catalyst support. For example, monodispersed Pt and Au nanoparticles with mean diameters of similar to 4.0 and 3.3 nm were successfully loaded on the surfaces of BNNSs, respectively. The Au/BNNSs and Pt/BNNSs would be efficient catalysts in various reactions. It is found that the Pt/BNNSs catalysts towards CO conversion have shown lower full conversion temperature and higher stability. Besides, the gram scale BNNSs might have many other potential applications, such as in polymer composites with high thermal conductivity, electron field emission and the absorbent in gas/water purification.