BN Nanocones Research Articles

Boron Nitride Nanotube, Nanocable and Nanocone

AbstractBoron nitride nanotubes, nanocones and nanocables were prepared and their atomic structures were identified by using a 300 kV field emission transmission electron microscope equipped with an electron energy loss spectrometer and energy dispersion X-ray detector. Multiwalled BN nanotubes and nanocones were synthesized by reacting C nanotube templates and boron oxide under nitrogen atmosphere at 1723-2023 K. Additions of metal oxide promoters, e.g. MoO3, CuO, and PbO, significantly improved BN-rich nanotube yield at the expense of B-C-N nanotubes. It was shown that BN nanotubes had preferential “zigzag” chirality and exhibited either hexagonal or rhombohedral stacking between shells. An efficient synthetic route for bulk quantities of BN tube production was also developed, where a B-N-O precursor was used during a CVD process. Nanocones of BN were mostly found to have 240° disclinations which ensure the presence of B-N bonds only. One case was observed of a cone constituted of 300° disclination implying that structures may contain line defects of non B-N bonds. The first synthesis of insulating BN nanocables was carried out, where BN nanotubes were entirely filled with Invar Fe-Ni nanorods. The filled nanotube diameters ranged between 30 to 300 nm, whereas the length of filling reached several microns.

Multi-and Single-Walled Boron Nitride Nanotubes Produced From Carbon Nanotubes by a Substitution Reaction

ABSTRACTBoron nitride (BN) multi-walled (MWNT) or single-walled (SWNT) nanotubes were synthesized from carbon MWNT and SWNT templates, respectively, under heating of C nanotubes together with boron trioxide in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere. B and N atom substitution for C atoms in the nanotubular shells during C oxidation by the B2O3 vapor in the N2 flow is thought to underlie the formation mechanism. Structural and chemical BN MWNT/SWNT analyses were performed by means of high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), respectively. In particular, BN MWNT shell structure and defects, and electron irradiation stability were studied. Finally, the prospects of using the substitution technique for the synthesis of other advanced nanostructures made of BN (nanorods, nanoplates and nanocones) are discussed.