Hexagonal boron nitride adsorbent: Synthesis, performance tailoring and applications

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), with unique structural and properties, has shown enormous potential toward variety of possible applications. By virtue of partially-ionic character of BN chemical bonds and usually large specific surface area, h-BN-related nanostructures exhibit appealing adsorption properties, which can be widely applied for separation and purification towards energy and environment treatment. In this review, recent progress in designing h-BN micro, nano-structure, controlled synthesis, performance optimizing as well as energy and environment-related adsorption applications are summarized. Strategies to tailor the h-BN can be classified as morphology control, element doping, defect control and surface modification, focusing on how to optimize the adsorption performance. In order to insight the intrinsic mechanism of tuning strategies for property optimization, the significant adsorption applications of h-BN towards hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, pollutants removal from water and adsorption desulfurization are presented.