Capture of novel sp hybridized Z-BN by compressing boron nitride nanotubes with small diameter

Abstract

Experimental synthesis of new sp3 hybridized carbon/boron nitride structures remains challenging despite that numerous sp3 structures have been proposed in theory. Here, we showed that compressed multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (MWBNNTs) and boron nitride peapods (C60@BNNTs) with small diameters could transform into a new sp3 hybridized boron nitride allotrope (Z-BN). This strategy is considered from the topological transition point of view in boron nitride nanotubes upon compression. Due to the increased curvature in compressed small-diameter MWBNNTs, the uncommon 4- and 8-membered rings in Z-BN could be more favorably formed. And the irreversible tube collapse is proved to be a critical factor for the capture of the formed Z-BN, because of the competition between the resilience of tube before collapse and the stress limitation for the lattice stabilization of Z-BN upon decompression. In this case, Z-BN starts to form above 19.0 GPa, which is fully reversible below 45 GPa and finally becomes quenchable at 93.5 GPa. This collapse-induced capture of the high-pressure phase could also be extended to other tubular materials for quenching novel sp3 structures.