Investigating the Fano-Asymmetry Parameter in hBN Nanosheets Annealed at Various Temperatures

Vidyotma Yadav1, Arvind Yadav1, Tanuja Mohanty1

Nano-material Lab, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067, India

Abstract: Results and

𝜀 = discussion
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets have been synthesized by a liquid phase
exfoliation method followed by post-synthesis annealing treatments in hydrogen gas
medium at various temperatures. A systematic effect due to temperature variation is
observed in the morphological, vibrational, and structural properties of hBN. When the
temperature treatment is applied up to 800°C, it has declined the crystallinity of hBN as
observed from the broadening of XRD peaks. However, treating it above 800°C has
improved the crystallinity of hBNNS. Raman spectra analysis also introduced the Fano
asymmetry parameter (q). The increasing asymmetry (low q value) is observed while
treating hBNNS up to 800°C, whereas the peak shows high symmetry (high q value) when
treated at 1000°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has confirmed the presence of SEM images of (a) pristine hBN nanosheets, (b) and (c) hBN nanosheets treated at 800°C and 1000°C
hBN nanosheets on Si substrate. The quality of hBN nanosheets has not significantly 𝟐
affected by lower-temperature heat treatment. The heat treatment at 1000°C has improved 𝒒 + 𝝃(𝝎ሻ
the quality of nanosheets. 𝑰 𝝎 = 𝐀 𝟐
𝟏 + 𝝃(𝝎ሻ
𝑬𝒆−𝒑 ~ 𝟏/𝐪
Introduction I(ω) - Fano line-shape function
 hBN possess- A - Scaling factor
ξ(ω) - Reduced energy variable
• electrically insulating behaviour, high ω - Frequency of the Raman mode
chemical and thermal stability, and high Raman spectra of pristine and thermally treated hBN at q - Fano asymmetry parameter
thermal conductivity etc. different temperatures. Ee-p – Electron phonon interaction
strength

• same hexagonal structure with a lattice 𝜷 β – Full width half maxima

mismatch of ~1.7% with graphene. 𝜺= ε -- Strain (%)
𝟒 ∙ 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽
Fano
XRD Strain
Sample asymmetry Ee-p
 It’s fascinating properties leads in many applications in parameter (ǀqǀ) ε (%)
optoelectronic devices hBN 60.2 0.016 -
Treated
33.9 0.029 0.008
at 600°C
• As a protective layer or coatings in various materials to avoid
Treated
oxidation. 16.7 0.059 0.012
at 800°C
• As a substrate to or a gate in FET based devices. Treated XRD pattern of pristine and thermally treated
82.1 0.012 0.006
at1000°C hBN at different temperatures.

Experimental Methods Conclusion

In conclusion, the synthesized hBN nanosheets were subjected to heat treatments at various
 hBN was synthesized with a liquid phase temperatures to investigate the effect on their morphological, vibrational, and structural
exfoliation method. properties. Thermally treated hBNNS in hydrogen medium at 600°C, 800°C and 1000°C
were studied using SEM, Raman spectroscopy and XRD measurement. Morphological
 Post synthesis annealing was performed on analysis revealed trivial differences in the quality of nanosheets when heated up to 800°C;
the thin deposited film of hBN at various only a slight sheet deterioration was witnessed. However, thermal treatment at 1000°C in a
hydrogen medium has improved the nanosheets' quality. Raman spectroscopy has presented
temperatures in hydrogen gas medium.
a new approach to studying the temperature effect on hBNNS. The Fano asymmetry
 The temperature effect was measured on the parameter (q) is estimated using Raman spectra, which provides an intriguing insight into the
samples through different characterization techniques. electron-phonon interaction. The nanosheets have been degraded in terms of asymmetry
developed in the relevant Raman peaks when treated thermally, which takes an interesting
 SEM for morphological study, XRD for structural study and Raman turn of events when treated at 1000°C. The EPI strength abruptly drops beyond 800°C,
spectroscopy for optical study were performed on the treated samples. indicating improvement instead of deterioration. Thus, thermal treatment is shown to have a
considerable impact on the vibrational properties of hBNNS. The XRD pattern has also
References: confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanosheets. Temperature treatment introduces a strain
in the nanosheets, affecting their crystallinity; although, beyond 800°C, the crystalline nature
1. Vidyotma Yadav and Tanuja Mohanty, Nanotechnology 34, 495204 (2023).
2. Tanmay Mahanta and Tanuja Mohanty, Appl. Phys. Letters 119, 091902 (2021).
of hBNNS shows an improvement. The strain generated due to the thermal treatment agrees
3. Vidyotma Yadav, Tanmay Mahanta, Tanuja Mohanty, NIM-B 536, 55-59 (2023).
with the EPI strength of Raman estimated results.