CVD Growth of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Abstract

Multiwalled BN nanotubes are grown from nickel boride catalyst particles by chemical vapor deposition at 1000−1100 °C using borazine, B3N3H6, as the precursor. This precursor is generated in situ from molten salt that forms from mixtures of (NH4)2SO4, NaBH4, and Co3O4 at 300−400 °C. The BN nanotubes have concentric-tube structures, are free of internal closures, have crystalline walls, and exhibit lengths of up to ∼5 μm. The nanotubes often possess bulbous, flag-like, or club-like tip closures. A root-growth mechanism is proposed for the catalyzed process.