Single-Walled BN Nanostructures

Abstract

We describe in situ synthesis and characterization of single-walled BN nanotubes terminated by fullerenelike structures using electron-cyclotron resonance nitrogen and electron beam boron sources onto polycrystalline tungsten substrates. Detailed comparisons of experimental high-resolution electron microscopy images and simulations based upon molecular models show a dominance of kinks and bends involving fourfold and eightfold ring structures as against fivefold or sevenfold which have been found with carbon. Analysis of the structures as a function of film thickness indicates that they are growing by addition of atoms to the exposed ends of single sheets, not at the substrate-nanostructure interface.

Synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes employing mechanothermal process and its characterization

“…These particles might be in the liquid or quasi-liquid state during BN nanotube growth. The role of W as a catalyst in the BN nanotube formation has been reported by Bengu and Marks [16] and Chopra et al [3].…”

Molar Binding Energy of Zigzag and Armchair Single-Walled Boron Nitride Nanotubes

“…and might have superior unique mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties [45]. In addition, BN nanotubes are characterized by chemical inertness and poor wetting [46].…”

Adsorption of transition-metal atoms on boron nitride nanotube: A density-functional study

“…During the growth process, BN nanotubes tend to select a nonhelical or zigzag orientation. Like carbon nanotubes, BN nanotubes also possess many unique physical and mechanical properties such as strong hardness, high thermal stability, and chemical inertness, [6][7][8][9] which have promoted increasing number of studies of this tubular nanomaterial. To date, fewer research work have been reported on the BN nanotube/metal systems, compared to the amount of work reported on the carbon nanotube/metal systems.…”