Aqueous dispersion of hexagonal boron nitride via plasma processing in a hydroquinone solution

Plasma processing in a solution with a hydroquinone additive was performed for the aqueous dispersion of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and the effect of the hydroquinone additive was determined by analyzing the zeta potential distribution. The hydroquinone additive enhanced plasma modification in the solution to produce well-dispersed h-BN particles separated by centrifugation. The mean zeta potential improved up to -50 mV at neutrality and maintained in a pH range of 6-9. Infrared absorption spectra suggested that the dispersed h-BN particles were modified with hydroxyl functional groups by plasmas in the solution.