2D chemically exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets doped with Ni: synthesis, properties and catalytic application for the treatment of industrial wastewater

In this study, boron nitride nanosheets (BN-NS) were prepared through exfoliation of bulk BN powder and efficacious incorporation of Ni (dopant material) was achieved using hydrothermal methodology. Hexagonal phase of BN (h-BN) was detected using x-ray difractometer (XRD). The presence of used chemicals was identified by functional group analysis through fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), which indicated strong vibrations for B-N and B-N-B. Optical examination carried out through absorption spectra extracted from UV-vis. spectroscopy point out absorption at deep UV state. Raman spectra were obtained to affirm structural molecular fingerprints of BN. Excitons behavior was studied using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscope. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM) were used to investigate morphological and microstructural features while interlayer spacing was evaluated using HRTEM micrographs. Purity of the obtained product was studied by means of EDS analysis. Catalytic activity was undertaken to inspect dye degradation which was evaluated spectrophotometrically. This study provides experimental validation to the use of two-dimensional materials, especially BN-NS, for rapid and enhanced degradation of dyes.