Synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes and their applications

Abstract

SummaryBoron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been increasingly investigated for use in a wide range of applications due to their unique physicochemical properties including high hydrophobicity, heat and electrical insulation, resistance to oxidation, and hydrogen storage capacity. They are also valued for their possible medical and biomedical applications including drug delivery, use in biomaterials, and neutron capture therapy. In this review, BNNT synthesis methods and the surface modification strategies are first discussed, and then their toxicity and application studies are summarized. Finally, a perspective for the future use of these novel materials is discussed.

Stability of Halloysite, Imogolite, and Boron Nitride Nanotubes in Solvent Media

“…To improve dispersion stability, numerous methods to functionalize BNNTs were used [10,45,73]. These methods can be organized into three groups: (1) noncovalent, (2) covalent modifications, and (3) alternation in BNNTs (fabrication of defect sites, insertion of the amino groups, and transformation of the amino groups) (Figure 4).…”

“…With this aim, this review will be focused on the colloidal stability of inorganic nanotubes, as well as on the most used strategies to prepare well-dispersed suspensions. In particular, these aspects will be investigated for halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) [8], imogolite nanotubes (INTs) [9], and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) [10].…”

“…BNNTs were predicted in 1994 [38], and first prepared by Chopra et al [39] in 1995 as carbon nanotube inorganic analogs, by alternating boron and nitrogen instead of carbon, almost without changing the atomic spacing of the graphite-like sheet [10,38]. The key parameters that influence both the length and size of BNNTs are temperature, catalyst, and boron precursor, as well as duration of the heating process [10].…”

“…The key parameters that influence both the length and size of BNNTs are temperature, catalyst, and boron precursor, as well as duration of the heating process [10]. The external diameter varies from 4 to 300 nm, usually reaching 30-100 nm, and the tubes' lengths are in the range of 500 nm to 1 mm, usually 5-10 μm [10]. Moreover, by changing the condition of synthesis, a single-walled BNNT, a double-walled BNNT, or a multi-walled BNNT can be prepared [40].…”

Gradient and Layered Boron Nitride Formation Under Effect of Concentrated Light in a Flow of Nitrogen

“…7 In order to prepare BN nanostructures, high and low temperature routes have been developed, for example, high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) method, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis routes. 8 A comprehensive overview of the current status of the different synthesis processes for BN has demonstrated formation of different properties for BN powders highlighting the advantages of every synthetic methods.…”