Graphene/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Composite Nanoparticles for 2D Printing Technologies

Abstract

A new approach for creating composite nanoparticles with various morphology and electric properties, based on uniform-sized small boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets and graphene flakes, is suggested. For the first time, the structures from h-BN and graphene flakes synthesized in the helium direct current plasma jet are used to fabricate composite nanoparticles and films using 2D printing technology. A method for preparing a suspension based on these composite particles is developed. The morphology of graphene decoration with small h-BN flakes depends on the composite content. It includes, for instance, graphene flakes covered with vertically arranged h-BN flakes, graphene flakes encapsulated with a monolayer of h-BN flakes. The electric properties of films and printed structures from composite nanoparticles are strongly varied (especially for the printed compositions). However, the graphene content in all cases is higher than the percolation threshold. Some composites demonstrate nonlinear currentvoltage characteristics with the switching up to four orders of magnitude. In combination with the cheap printed technologies, the composite material is expected to be a perspective for electronic applications (informative processing, logic elements, tunneling graphene electronics, memristors, etc.).

Engineering of graphene flakes in the process of synthesis in DC plasma jets

“…Moreover, the search for electrically active defects in the synthesised graphene particles using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) showed the absence of such defects in the synthesised graphene. 41 The HRTEM and X-ray diffraction data allow us to state that interlayer distances in the flakes synthesised at a low pressure are enlarged (see Fig. 4), whereas the few-layer flakes formed at a high pressure have their usual distance between monolayers.…”

Graphene: Hexagonal Boron Nitride Composite Films with Low-Resistance for Flexible Electronics

“…Different technological findings which provide the possibility to precisely manage with the barrier thickness are profoundly impactful concerning the development of new approaches of composite-based devices. For instance, using composite core-shell nanoparticles, one can control the electrical properties of the created structures and influence their flexibility by means of interparticle connections [ 22 , 36 ]. In our case, the well reproducible dimensions of the elements from which we form composite particles, self-organization processes and synergetic effects associated with the additives used and interlayer (interparticle) interactions make it possible for us to design composite blocks with controlled properties for 2D printing technology.…”

“…In the first case, the 1–3 monolayer flakes sized 100–150 nm are predominant (G-1, Figure 1 a). The statement about low thickness of graphene flakes is based on Raman measurements (especially the structure of the line 2D), X-ray structural data and the high-resolution electron microscopy data [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. There are the unique parameters, especially in comparison with any graphite exfoliation methods (with typical thickness of 2–5 nm and 5–10 monolayers, e.g., [ 11 , 23 , 24 ]).…”

Engineering of graphene-based composites with hexagonal boron nitride and PEDOT:PSS for sensing applications

“…The addition of h-BN leads to increase in the layer resistance simultaneously with growth of the layer structure porosity. 49 The addition of PEDOT:PSS in low concentration results in a large increase in the layer conductivity and flexibility. 50…”