Review and Perspectives on Multifunctional Applications of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Quantum Dots in Energy Conversions

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a unique two-dimensional (2D) material, has emerged as a promising catalyst in various industrial applications. This review paper delves into the revolutionary strides made in the sphere of catalysis by harnessing the properties of mainly h-BN nanosheets (h-BNNSs) and h-BN Quantum dots (h-BNQDs), achieved through innovative synthesis methods and their diverse applications. The paper begins by elucidating the distinctive characteristics of h-BN, such as its high thermal stability, excellent chemical inertness, and remarkable electronic properties. These intrinsic features make h-BN an ideal candidate for catalytic applications, prompting researchers to focus on developing novel synthesis techniques. The synthesis section reviews cutting-edge methodologies, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), microwave-assisted methods, liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE), and hydrothermal, highlighting each approach’s advantages and limitations. The pursuit of scalable and cost-effective synthesis methods is underscored to enable the widespread utilization of h-BN in catalysis. The review explores the catalytic power of h-BN in diverse applications in the energy conversion domain, Moving beyond synthesis. h-BN’s catalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), oxygen evolution reactions (OER), nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR), and others are thoroughly examined, showcasing its potential in clean energy technologies and other energy conversion processes. The electronic structure and surface properties of h-BN are examined carefully to comprehend the underlying principles guiding its catalytic behavior. The synergistic effects of combining h-BNNSs and h-BNQDs with catalytic materials are also explored, opening avenues for designing multifunctional catalytic systems. This review highlights the untapped potential of h-BNQDs for catalytic applications. The review concludes by outlining the current challenges and prospects in the field. Strategies for overcoming material scalability, long-term stability, and enhanced catalytic performance are proposed. The potential incorporation of h-BN with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, is also discussed, envisioning a future where catalysis is revolutionized through intelligent material design.