Growth methodologies of boron nitride nanotubes and their neutron shielding applications: a review

Abstract

This review covers growth methodologies of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with various synthesis methods and highlights their neutron shielding applications in aerospace engineering and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

Methods for Preparation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanomaterials

“…The h -BN nanomaterials featuring various dimensional nanostructures demonstrate rich functional properties, while concurrently upholding the exceptional characteristics inherent in bulk. The distinctive photoluminescence of 0D BNQDs renders them highly promising for a wide range of applications in optoelectronic devices as well as biomedical diagnostics. , The high thermal stability, mechanical strength, and outstanding neutron absorption capability endow 1D BNNTs with tremendous application potential in aerospace engineering and medical applications . The exciting thermal conductivity and photovoltaic properties of 2D h -BN nanomaterials, as well as the exposed active sites, enhanced mass transfer efficiency, and superior recyclability of 3D h -BN architectures, providing a versatile platform for the fields of nano-optoelectronics, thermal management, catalysis, and environmental remediation. , Therefore, to further harness the unique application value of h -BN in various domains, it is imperative for researchers to thoroughly understand the synthesis methods across different dimensions and select the most suitable approach to control the structure, morphology, and performance, thereby directly impacting the practical application of h -BN materials.…”

“…BN nanosheets (BNNSs) and BN films represent the most common 2D structures; finally, 3D BN nanostructures include microscale structures such as 3D structures assembled from numerous 2D nanosheets and macroscale structures like porous foams and aerogels, which exhibit continuous structural characteristics in all three spatial dimensions. These diverse morphologies significantly influence the chemical, physical, and electronic properties of h-BN, rendering them highly attractive candidates for precise applications such as chemiluminescence assay, 15 aerospace engineering, 14 electronic devices, 16 and catalysis. 17 In recent decades, there has been a notable surge in the publication of studies focusing on h-BN nanostructures with diverse dimensions (Figure 1a), concurrently fostering a series of synthesis techniques aimed at precisely engineering controllable dimensions, shapes, and morphologies (Figure 1b).…”

“…To date, several comprehensive review articles have been published in the field of h -BN-based nanomaterials, primarily focusing on the structure and properties, ,, synthesis, , functionalization , of h -BN, and their application in areas such as neutron shielding, photonics and electronics, catalysis, biological and sensing . However, the existing reviews tend to emphasize the extensively studied BNNSs and BNNTs, , or provide detailed discussions on a single method for h -BN materials preparation, , while the rapid development of h -BN nanostructures in other dimensions has yet to receive a systematic overview.…”

“…This divergence is primarily attributed to the differences in electronegativity between the constituent atoms, resulting in the electron pairs within the B–N bonds being more prominently localized around the N atoms. Consequently, while h -BN parallels graphene in certain aspects (highly thermoconductive, mechanically strong, and lubricative), , its unique structural attributes confer upon it a large number of distinctive and noteworthy electrical, optical, and additional properties. − …”