Abstract
In this study, a novel and facile approach for the synthesis of ternary boron carbonitride (B–C–N) nanotubes was reported. Growth occurred by heating simple starting materials of boron powder, zinc oxide powder, and ethanol absolute at 1150 °C under a mixture gas flow of nitrogen and hydrogen. As substrate, commercial stainless steel foil with a typical thickness of 0.05 mm played an additional role of catalyst during the growth of nanotubes. The nanotubes were characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, and EELS. The results indicate that the synthesized B–C–N nanotubes exhibit a bamboo-like morphology and B, C, and N elements are homogeneously distributed in the nanotubes. A catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism was proposed for the growth of the nanotubes.
Highlights
Ternary boron carbonitride (B–C–N) nanotubes have recently attracted much attention because of their excellent mechanical properties, electrical properties, and anti-oxidant capacities [1, 2]
The surfaces of the nanotubes are very clean and no impurities can be observed, which indicates the high purity of the nanotubes
It can be found that nanoparticles are attached at the ends of nanotubes, which could be regarded as a typical symbol of vapor– liquid–solid (VLS) growth model
Summary
Ternary boron carbonitride (B–C–N) nanotubes have recently attracted much attention because of their excellent mechanical properties, electrical properties, and anti-oxidant capacities [1, 2]. Theoretical studies have revealed that the band gaps of B–C–N nanotubes can be tailored over a wide range by varying the chemical composition rather than by geometrical structure [3,4,5,6,7], Nanoscale Res Lett (2009) 4:834–838 ternary B–C–N nanotubes via such a relatively simple route
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
