AbstractWe report on the direct synthesis of multi-layer boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and their electron microscopic characterization. The synthesis process is carried out by irradiating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) target using short laser pulses. Scanning electron microscopy showed large area (≈50×50 μm2) flat layers of BNNSs transparent to the electron beam. Low magnification transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to characterize different areas of nanosheets. TEM revealed that each individual nanosheet is composed of several layers. High resolution TEM (HRTEM) measurements confirmed the layered structure. HRTEM analysis of the edge of a nanosheet showed 10 layers from which we obtained the thickness (3.3nm) of an individual nanosheet. Selected area electron diffraction pattern indicated polycrystalline structure of nanosheets. Raman spectroscopy clearly identified E2g vibrational mode related to h-BN.
Large-Scale Synthesis of High-Quality Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Large-Area Graphene Electronics
