Wurtzite Boron Nitride (w-BN) is a superhard polymorph of boron nitride that crystallizes in a wurtzite-type hexagonal structure, analogous to that of diamond. It is composed of tetrahedrally coordinated boron and nitrogen atoms arranged in a three-dimensional lattice, giving it remarkable mechanical strength and thermal stability (Liu et al., 2019; Han, 2010a).
Material Overview
Physically, w-BN is one of the hardest known materials, with hardness values reaching or even exceeding that of diamond in certain conditions. Its superhardness and stiffness arise from its short B–N bond length and tetrahedral atomic arrangement. The material exhibits a wide electronic bandgap (≈ 6 eV), which makes it an excellent electrical insulator and a promising material for high-temperature electronic and optoelectronic devices (Silvetti et al., 2022).
The synthesis of w-BN typically requires high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions, where hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) transforms into the denser w-BN phase. However, recent advances have demonstrated the stabilization of w-BN at ambient pressure through the formation of three-dimensional networks of planar defects, which prevent the structure from reverting to its metastable h-BN form (Chen et al., 2019).
Physical and Chemical Properties
Chemically, w-BN exhibits outstanding oxidation resistance and chemical inertness, maintaining stability even in oxidizing atmospheres up to ~1300 °C. It is also highly resistant to wear and corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh mechanical and thermal environments. The material’s exceptional thermal conductivity and dielectric strength further extend its suitability for advanced electronics and energy applications (Arenal & Lopez-Bezanilla, 2015).
Electronically, w-BN’s wide bandgap and low dielectric constant make it a valuable substrate and insulating layer in 2D material-based devices, including graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides. Its transparency in the ultraviolet region and pressure-dependent optical behavior also make it a candidate for UV optoelectronic and photonic devices (Silvetti et al., 2022).
Applications and Advantages
Machining and cutting tools. Due to its superhardness and thermal stability, w-BN is used in precision machining of ferrous and carbide materials, serving as a high-performance alternative to diamond-based tools, particularly in oxidizing or high-temperature environments where diamond would degrade (Liu et al., 2019).
Advanced electronics and optoelectronics. The wide bandgap and chemical inertness of w-BN make it ideal for dielectric substrates, insulating barriers, and UV photodetectors. In BN-based and graphene-integrated devices, it acts as a reliable insulating medium that preserves high electron mobility and minimizes leakage currents (Han, 2010b).
Extreme environment coatings. Its oxidation and thermal resistance make w-BN a candidate for protective coatings on components used in aerospace, energy, and high-temperature industrial systems.
Performance Benefits
- Superhardness comparable to or greater than diamond under specific conditions.
- Exceptional thermal stability and oxidation resistance up to ~1300 °C.
- Wide bandgap (~6 eV) suitable for high-voltage and optoelectronic applications.
- Chemically inert and resistant to wear, corrosion, and radiation.
- Stable dielectric and optical properties under extreme pressure and temperature.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies wurtzite boron nitride (w-BN) in powder and compact forms for research, coating, and machining applications. Its combination of mechanical hardness, dielectric strength, and chemical stability makes it an essential material for advanced material science, electronics, and precision engineering.
Explore wurtzite boron nitride (w-BN) and related boron nitride materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- Han, W.-Q. (2010a). Anisotropic Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanomaterials - Synthesis and Applications. Nanotechnologies for the Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527610419.NTLS0161
- Han, W.-Q. (2010b). Anisotropic Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Applications. ChemInform. https://doi.org/10.1002/CHIN.201032217
- Liu, Y., Zhan, G. D., Wang, Q., He, D., Zhang, J., Liang, A., E, M. T., Zhao, L., & Li, X. (2019). Hardness of Polycrystalline Wurtzite Boron Nitride (wBN) Compacts. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-019-46709-4
- Silvetti, M., Attaccalite, C., & Cannuccia, E. (2022). Pressure Dependence of Electronic, Vibrational and Optical Properties of Wurtzite Boron Nitride. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.7.055201
- Chen, C., Yin, D., Kato, T., Taniguchi, T., Watanabe, K., Ma, X., Ye, H., & Ikuhara, Y. (2019). Stabilizing the Metastable Superhard Material Wurtzite Boron Nitride by Three-Dimensional Networks of Planar Defects. PNAS. https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.1902820116
- Arenal, R., & Lopez-Bezanilla, A. (2015). Boron Nitride Materials: An Overview from 0D to 3D (Nano)Structures. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Computational Molecular Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/WCMS.1219