Visible Emission from Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets upon Molecular Doping

Abstract

The photoluminescence (PL) properties are the most promising for optoelectronic devices. However, achieving PL in hexagonal boron nitride (BN) is challenging. Here, we have mixed BN with 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to produce a BN-TCNQ complex. Interestingly, the BN-TCNQ complex showed photoluminescence (PL) properties, which may be attributed to the charge transfer between BN and TCNQ. Moreover, the detail technical investigation of the reaction mixture revealed that the TCNQ first converts into α,α-dicyano-p-toluoylcyanide anion (DCTC-), and then interacts with BN sheet, which is ultimately responsible for the PL characteristics. The DC electrical conductivity of the BN-TCNQ complex is enhanced ~2 fold compared to BN, which is mainly because of the decreased band gap of the complex, and also corroborates the efficient charge transfer phenomenon. Our approach can be a valuable example in terms of modulating the optical and electrical properties in two dimensional materials concerning the enhancement of optoelectronic properties and pave the way to develop devices for industrial applications.