High-yield synthesis of rhombohedral boron nitride triangular nanoplates

Unique highly crystalline triangular BN nanoplates (see figure) with a wide bandgap-which will ease their integration into nanoelectronic and photonic devices-are reported to be synthesized by reaction of NH4BF4 and NaNH2 with the assistance of metallic Ni. A thorough analysis of the morphological and structural characteristics of the nanoplates is presented.