Advances in fabrication, physio-chemical properties, and sensing applications of non-metal boron nitride and boron carbon nitride-based nanomaterials

•BCN and BN are semiconductor nanomaterials with numerous structural advantageous.•Depending on the matrix, may be separated into ceramic and polymer nanocomposites.•Properties, types, and synthesis methods of these compounds have been discussed.•Developing electrochemical, optical, gas, pH, and pressure assays by these compounds.•Their usage in pollutant degradation, photocatalysts, photovoltaics, and drug delivery. Boron carbon nitride (BCN) and boron nitride (BN), semiconductor nanomaterials with high versatility, have attracted attention because of their mechanical toughness, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, improved in terms of oxidation resistance, and chemical stability. While BCN is commonly recognized for its ability to adjust the bandgap, the porosity is a captivating yet relatively unexplored characteristic. The presence of pores in BCN offers advantages such as a large surface area and pore size, which can significantly improve efficiency compared to non-porous materials. Moreover, BCN exhibits diverse morphologies, including nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanotubes, nanoplates, and aerogels, each possessing distinctive and remarkable properties when compared to similar structures. These composites can be separated into ceramic and polymer nanocomposites depending on the matrix utilized. This study reviews the definition, properties, various types, and synthesis methods of BN and BCN-based nanocomposite materials. Moreover, their significant use in developing electrochemical and optical sensing and biosensing platforms, gas sensors, pH sensors, and pressure sensors has been reported. These composites have several uses in pollutant degradation, photocatalysts, photovoltaics, and drug delivery. Furthermore, the future of semiconductor/BN and BCN composites and the challenges associated with producing composite materials on a large scale are examined. This review will assist in the production of highly efficient BN and BCN-based materials. [Display omitted]