Partially oxidised boron nitride as a 2D nanomaterial for nanofiltration applications

Boron nitride (BN) based 2D nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials for the development of new membranes for nanofiltration applications. Here, we report the preparation, characterisation and testing of highly promising nanofiltration membranes produced from partially oxidised BN (BNOx) 2D nanosheets. In our work, the partial oxidation of BN was successfully achieved by heating the bulk h-BN powder in air at 1000 degrees C, resulting in BNOx product. The characterisation of the sample showed the presence of B-OH groups corresponding to the partial oxidisation of the BN. The BNOx material was then exfoliated in water and used to produce membranes, using vacuum filtration. These membranes were characterised using electron microscopy, BET and mercury porosimetry techniques. The membranes have also been tested in water purification and removal of several typical water-soluble dyes, demonstrating outstanding retention values close to 100%. We believe that this research opens up new opportunities for further production, as well as chemical functionalisation and modification of membranes for nanofiltration and separation technologies.

Automated summary

This study reports the preparation of nanofiltration membranes using partially oxidised boron nitride (BNOx) 2D nanosheets and their excellent performance in water purification and dye removal. The BNOx material was obtained by partially oxidising bulk h-BN powder and exfoliating it in water. The membranes showed outstanding retention values close to 100% and open up new opportunities for further advancements in nanofiltration and separation technologies.