Boron nitride nanosheets: a comprehensive review of synthesis and multifunctional applications

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique physical and chemical properties, including structural robustness, stability toward oxidation and reduction, thermal conductivity, bifunctional acidity-basicity character, and electrical insulation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of BNNS synthesis methods, categorizing them into top-down and bottom-up approaches. A critical comparison of these methods is presented, focusing on their efficiency, scalability, and potential for large-scale production. Additionally, this review explores the catalytic applications of BNNS, highlighting their role as both independent catalysts and support materials. Several sections are also dedicated to the different uses of BNNSs in catalytic and electrocatalytic applications, especially in environmental science, water treatment, energy, and biomedical applications.