Sum-Frequency Scattering Spectroscopy Reveals the Charging Mechanism and Surface Structure of hBN Nanoflakes in Solution.

ABSTRACT: A molecular understanding of the interactions between two-dimensional (2D) layered materials and liquids is crucial for nanofluidics, catalysis, and solution-based 2D material processing. Among 2D materials, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has a number of outstanding properties, but its interactions with liquids remain poorly characterized. Here, we investigate the interfacial structure of few-layer hBN nanoflakes suspensions in ethanol and ethanol-water mixtures. Electrophoretic light scattering suggests that the nanoflakes are effectively positively charged in ethanol and negatively charged in an ethanol-water mixture. Vibrational sum-frequency scattering spectroscopy reveals the surface structural changes underlying this charge reversal. Signatures of charge transfer of opposite direction

SUBMITTER: Rehl B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12269351 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature