Multifaceted boron nitride nanomaterials: a comprehensive review of synthesis, property engineering and multidisciplinary applications

Abstract

Boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials, spanning zero-dimensional (0D) quantum dots, 1D nanotubes, 2D nanosheets, 3D and macroscopic architectures, have garnered emerging attention as functional analogs to carbon-based nanomaterials. Their wide band gap, high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and chemical inertness make them versatile candidates for advanced technologies. This review highlights the synthesis–structure–function relationships achieved through top–down methods, such as exfoliation and ball milling, and bottom–up strategies, including chemical vapor deposition and plasma processing. Defect engineering, dopant incorporation, and surface functionalization are further discussed as key levers for tailoring BN nanomaterials' optical, electronic, and interfacial behavior. The review also explores the diverse range of BN nanomaterial applications across various disciplines, such as chemical analysis, biomedicine, catalysis, energy, and aerospace. The recent advances highlight opportunities for data-driven strategies coupled with operando characterization to control and optimize composition, morphology, and defect chemistry. These developments are expected to accelerate translation into practical technologies across wide applications.