One-pot solvothermal synthesis of water-soluble boron nitride nanosheets and fluorescent boron nitride quantum dots

A simple route for the synthesis of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) simultaneously was demonstrated in this study. The synthesis is accomplished by the high temperature solvothermal treatment of bulk BN in aqueous NaOH. The morphology and properties of the formed BNNSs and BNQDs were characterized, and the results suggest that the bulk h-BN can be efficiently exfoliated to BNNSs and BNQDs. The excellent colloidal stablility of BNNSs and PL emission of BNQDs make them promising candidates for biological applications.