Simple synthesis of mesoporous boron nitride with strong cathodoluminescence emission

Mesoporous BN was prepared at 550 °C for 10 h or so via a simple reaction between NaBH4 and CO(NH2)2. X-ray diffraction demonstrates the formation of t-BN with lattice constants a=2.46 and c=6.67 Å. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy displays a lot of porous films in the product, which possesses a high surface area of 219 m2 g−1 and a pore size primarily around 3.8 nm tested by nitrogen adsorption–desorption method. The mesoporous BN exhibits a strong luminescence emission around 3.41 eV in the cathodoluminescence spectra, a high stability in both morphology and structure, and good oxidation resistance up to 800 °C. The byproducts generated during the reaction are responsible for the formation of the mesoporous BN.

Graphical abstractThe mesoporous BN with a high specific surface area of 219 m2 g−1 exhibits a strong luminescence emission around 3.41 eV in the CL spectra, high thermal stability in both morphology and structure, and good oxidation resistance up to 800 °C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Mesoporous BN was prepared by a simple reaction between NaBH4 and CO(NH2)2 at 550 °C. ► The mesoporous BN possesses a high surface area of 219 m2 g−1. ► The mesoporous BN exhibits a strong luminescence emission around 3.41 eV. ► The mesoporous BN has high stability and good oxidation resistance up to 800 °C.