Fabrication, characteristics, and applications of boron nitride and their composite nanomaterials

•Polymer-based, ceramic-based, semiconductor-based, and metal-based boron nitride are the four primary groupings depending on the framework employed.•Boron nitride (BN) is a novel nanoparticle with unique dimensions that can improve photocatalyst performance.•BN-based materials have gotten a lot of interest in photocatalytic of hazardous deterioration, energy application, environmental technology, and health diversity.•The significance of BN/BN-based polymers has been examined due to their charge density transport capabilities that can boost the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors when combined with other materials.•The mechanics of photocatalysis and several varieties of photocatalysts are investigated. Considerations on BN-based composites are also examined and the constraints of large-scale manufacturing and composite theoretical calculations. Semiconductor-based nanomaterials and their composites have received significant attention for solving the current global issues about energy crises, health, and environmental pollution. In this regard, boron nitride (BN), a versatile wide band gap semiconductor nanomaterial, can be a beneficial candidate due to its mechanical strength, chemical stability, better resistance to oxidation, electrical insulation, and thermal conductivity. Recently, noteworthy progress has been made in the area of BN-based composites. Primarily, they can be divided into ceramic and polymer nanocomposites based on the matrix used. In this work, we have summarized the various synthesis routes of BN and BN-based nanocomposite materials. Such composites have a wide range of applications in photocatalysis, pollutant degradation, photovoltaics, drug delivery, and sensors. In addition, the prospects for semiconductor/BN composites, including difficulties in its large-scale manufacturing of composite materials, are discussed. This review is likely to aid in the development of highly effective BN-based materials. Fig. A diagram depicting the present problems of BN nanomaterials. Types of BN nanoparticles and associated characteristics, polymeric and ceramic-based nanomaterials synthesis techniques, and implementations. [Display omitted]