Nitrogen monoxide storage and sensing applications of transition metal–doped boron nitride nanotubes: a DFT investigation

The structural properties, electronic properties, and adsorption abilities for nitrogen monoxide (NO) molecule adsorption on pristine and transition metal (TM = V, Cr, Mn, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ta, W, and Re) doping on B or N site of armchair (5,5) single-walled boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) were investigated using the density functional theory method. The binding energies of TM-doped BNNTs reveal that the Mo atom doping exhibits the strongest binding ability with BNNT. In addition, the NO molecule weakly interacts with the pristine BNNT, whereas it has a strong adsorption ability on TM-doped BNNTs. The increase in the adsorption ability of NO molecule onto the TM-doped BNNTs is due to the geometrical deformation on TM doping site and the charge transfer between TM-doped BNNTs and NO molecule. Moreover, a significant decrease in energy gap of the BNNT after TM doping is expected to be an available strategy for improving its electrical conductivity. These observations suggest that NO adsorption and sensing ability of BNNT could be greatly improved by introducing appropriate TM dopant. Therefore, TM-doped BNNTs may be a useful guidance to be storage and sensing materials for the detection of NO molecule.

     

Synthesis of boron nitride nanotube films with a nanoparticle catalyst

Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) films were synthesized by combining ball milling and thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using nano-Fe₃O₄ as a catalyst. The as-produced BNNTs have a bamboo-like structure and have a diameter in the range of 50~200 nm with an average length of more than 40 mm. Moreover, BNNT nanojunction structures were synthesized. The structure and morphology of the BNNTs were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. The possible growth mechanism of BNNTs and BNNT nanojunction structures were proposed. Though the BNNT films were observed, out of our expectation, BNNTs with thin tube wall and small average diameter have not been achieved, and this could be mainly ascribed to the aggregation of the nanoparticle catalyst, resulting in greater catalyst particles during the process of BNNT growth. This result will provide a promising approach to obtain the desired shape of BNNTs and produce branched junctions of BNNTs.     

HPLC Characterization of the Association Mechanism of Organic Compounds with β Cyclodextrin Using a Novel Boron Nitride Nanotube Particulate Stationary Phase

In this paper, a simple homogeneous coating of silica spherical particles with pristine boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) was described. BNNTs dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were mixed with amino-functionalized silica particles having a 5 μm diameter. Favorable interaction between the amino group and the BNNT surfaces induces the absorption of the BNNTs on the silica. The BNNT-coated silica particles were used as stationary phase for HPLC. For the first time, it was demonstrated that this new particulate BNNT stationary phase can be used for the study of the complexation of solute molecules (terpene molecules used as test drugs in this work) with β cyclodextrin (βCD). The apparent formation constants Kf of terpene derivative/βCD were in the same magnitude as those reported in the literature. The plot of Kf versus the water fraction in the methanol/water mobile phase showed that the BNNT surface played an active role in the complex formation due to terpene/BNNT-specific polar interactions. This work demonstrated that our novel particulate BNNT HPLC stationary phase was an efficient tool to study molecular recognition mechanism and more specifically the association between a drug substance and a target molecule with the aim of reaching biopharmaceutic and clinical applications.     

Structural characterizations and electronic properties of boron nitride nanotube crystalline bundles

The structural characterizations and electronic properties of aligned armchair single-walled boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) bundles are theoretically investigated. In the spontaneous bundling process, the cylindrical shapes of bundled BNNTs are preserved all along, whereas their diameters expand, then shrink, and return back to the initial dimensions. Owing to the nonuniform distribution of positive and negative charges among BNNTs, the multipole interaction in bundles is completely dependent upon the chirality of each BNNT and the arrangement of bundled BNNTs. The effect of intertube coupling on the dispersions of BNNT bundles is demonstrated. Our systematical simulations might be helpful for the understanding of potential applications of BNNT bundles in the nanometer manufacturing techniques such as doping, adsorption, and derivative synthesis.     

铂掺杂氮化硼纳米管及CO在其表面的吸附行为的理论研究

采用基于密度泛函理论的PBEPBE方法对铂(Pt)掺杂的氮化硼(BN)纳米管进行了理论研究. 计算结果表明, Pt原子突出BN纳米管表面, Pt的d轨道暴露到外面, 使它更容易和外来分子发生相互作用, 提高了纳米管的反应活性. Pt取代掺杂缩小了纳米管的能隙, 从而提高BN纳米管的导电性. 一氧化碳(CO)在Pt掺杂BN纳米管上的吸附行为表明, 2个CO能化学吸附到纳米管表面, 更多的CO分子吸附是物理吸附.     

A first principles study on organic molecule encapsulated boron nitride nanotubes

The electronic structures of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) doped with organic molecules are investigated using density functional theory. An electrophilic molecule introduces acceptor states in the wide gap of BNNT close to the valence band edge, which makes the doped system a p-type semiconductor. However, with typical nucleophilic organic molecules encapsulation, only deep occupied molecular states but no shallow donor states are observed. There is a significant electron transfer from a BNNT to an electrophilic molecule, while the charge transfer between a nucleophilic molecule and a BNNT is negligible. When both electrophilic and nucleophilic molecules are encapsulated in the same BNNT, a large charge transfer between the two kinds of molecules occurs. The resulting small energy gap can strongly modify the transport and optical properties of the system.     

DNA‐Mediated Assembly of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

The dispersion of nanomaterials in solutions is of primary importance for the improvement of their processability, but it also provides a way to investigate phase behavior and to assemble nanostructures in solvents. Several methods based on different interactions have been developed to disperse carbon nanotubes, whereas little development has been made for their boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) counterparts. A direct way to obtain long‐range ordering may be through spontaneous nematic ordering in solutions at sufficiently high concentrations of the nanomaterial fraction. Lyotropic nematics have been observed in various organic and inorganic systems. In this work, the strong interactions between DNA and BNNTs were exploited to fabricate high‐concentration BNNTs aqueous solutions by a simple method, and then, for the first time, nematic ordered ensembles of BNNTs were obtained by filtration. It is proposed that a localized liquid‐crystal phase appears during filtration, as the ordering trend for the BNNTs was found to depend on the concentration of the aqueous solutions of the BNNTs. Moreover, BNNTs were successfully localized on a predefined area by using a thiol‐modified DNA–BNNT hybrid.     

Water phase transition induced by a Stone-Wales defect in a boron nitride nanotube

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been reported to possess superior water permeation properties. In this work, using molecular dynamics simulations with partial charges, capturing BNNT polarization effects obtained from quantum calculations, we found that Stone-Wales (SW) defects in a (5,5) BNNT result in phase transition of water, i.e., a transition between liquid-like phase and vapor-like phase was observed. The 90 degree rotation of the B-N bond, SW transformation, in an SW-defective (5,5) BNNT results in breaking of hydrogen bonding with neighboring water molecules and leads to the existence of a vapor-like phase near the SW defect. Water transport rate was evaluated by measuring translocation time. Water in an SW-defective (5,5) BNNT has fewer translocation events, longer translocation time, and a higher axial diffusion coefficient compared to water in a nondefective (5,5) BNNT.     

Dually-functionalized boron nitride nanotubes to target glioblastoma multiforme

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) were functionalized under mild conditions, using a difunctional amine, such as glycine, with one of three targeting ligands, folic acid, a nerve growth factor, or an antibody against nerve growth factor. In addition, non-fouling BNNTs were obtained by a facile and versatile, non-destructive method via controlled surface-initiated grafting of polyzwitterions. The BNNTs were loaded with a fluorescent probe for convenient imaging of glioblastoma multiforme cells treated with BNNTs. BNNTs bearing targeting factors on their outer surface demonstrated an increased efficiency of internalization in glioblastoma multiforme cells, compared to non-modified BNNTs. The degree of internalization was affected both by the nature of the ligand/agonist linked to the BNNTs surface and by the presence of serum proteins. The polyzwitterion grafts prevented the spontaneous adsorption of serum proteins on the BNNTs.     

Geometries and stabilities of transition metals doped perfect and Stone–Wales defective armchair (5,5) boron nitride nanotubes

The binding abilities of transition metals (TMs) (TMs?=?Ni, Pd, and Pt) on perfect and Stone?CWales (SW) defective armchair (5,5) single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were investigated using density functional theory method at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level. The geometrical parameters and electronic properties of all BNNTs doped with TM atoms are reported. The strongest binding energy of Ni doped on SW defective BNNT of ?91.87?kcal/mol was found. The binding abilities of the most stable of TMs on the BNNTs are in order: Ni/SW2?CBNNT(Z_N)?>?Pt/SW2?CBNNT(Z_B)?>?Pd/SW2?CBNNT(Z_B). In all case, energy gaps of MTs doped perfect and defective BNNTs are obviously lower than their undoped nanotubes.     

Chemical functionalization of boron-nitride nanotubes with NH3 and amino functional groups

We have investigated properties of chemically modified boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with NH(3) and four other amino functional groups (NH(2)CH(3), NH(2)CH(2)OCH(3), NH(2)CH(2)COOH, and NH(2)COOH) on the basis of density functional theory calculations. Unlike the case of carbon nanotubes, we found that NH(3) can be chemically adsorbed on top of the boron atom, with a charge transfer from NH(3) to the BNNT. The minimum-energy path calculation shows that a small energy barrier is encountered during the adsorption. Similarly, a small energy barrier (about 0.42 eV) is also involved in the desorption, suggesting that both adsorption and desorption can be realized even at room temperature. For chemically modified BNNTs with various amino functional groups, the adsorption energies are typically less than that of NH(3) on the BNNT. The trend of adsorption-energy change can be correlated with the trend of relative electron-withdrawing or -donating capability of the amino functional groups. Overall, the chemical modification of BNNTs with the amino groups results in little changes in the electronic properties of BNNTs. However, the chemical reactivity of the BNNTs can be enhanced by the chemical modification with the amino group containing -COOH.     

Single‐wall Boron Nitride Nanotube with Various Diameters under the Influence of Electric Field,A Computational Investigation

Structural and electrical response of the (4, 0), (5, 0) and (6, 0) zigzag model of single‐walled boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) with H‐terminated at the open ended, have been investigated under the external electric field (EF) with intensities 0–1.6 × 10^?2 a.u. using the DFT B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory. Results of this study show that with increasing BNNTs diameter, the HOMO‐LUMO gap (HLG) values increase, and with increasing the EF intensity, the HLG values decrease. In both cases with increasing EF intensity and the BNNT diameters, the electric dipole moment is increased significantly. Also the calculated natural bond orbital (NBO) atomic charges on the atoms of the BNNT show that the separation of the center of the positive and the center of the negative electric charges of the boron nitride nanotubes are increases in both case. We have found that the properties of the BNNTs are dependent on their diameters and can be tuned by applied electric fields intensity.     

硅掺杂的氮化硼纳米管对氯化氰吸附性能的理论研究

为了探索氮化硼纳米管(BNNT)在化学传感器件领域的潜在应用,我们利用密度泛函理论研究了(8,0)单壁BNNT和硅掺杂的(8,0)BNNT对毒性气体氯化氰分子(ClCN)的吸附性能.结果表明,硼位或氮位硅掺杂的BNNT,均对ClCN分子存在较强的化学吸附,而纯氮化硼纳米管对ClCN仅有较弱的物理吸附.态密度的计算进一步表明硅掺杂使纳米管费米能级附近的电子结构发生显著变化,由于杂化态的引入,使带隙明显减小,增强了对毒性ClCN分子的吸附敏感性.硅掺杂的BNNT有望成为检测毒性ClCN分子的潜在资源.     

Perfectly dissolved boron nitride nanotubes due to polymer wrapping

We report for the first time that boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) may be dissolved in organic solvents by wrapping them with a polymer. Transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence studies indicate the strong pi-pi interactions between BNNTs and the polymer. A band gap ranging from 5.2 to 5.5 eV was documented for the BNNTs independent of their geometrical characteristics by using ultraviolet-visible absorption experiments on composite films and thin BNNT films prepared from solutions.     

Electronic structure of octagonal boron nitride nanotubes

The effect of an octagonal lattice configuration on a boron nitride nanotube is explored using first principle calculations. Calculations show that the formational energy of an octagonal boron nitride nanotube (o‐BNNT) is an exothermic reaction. Boron and nitrogen atoms within an o‐BNNT have an average of 2.88 electrons and 9.09 electrons, respectively, indicating ionic‐like bonding. In addition, the electronic structure of the octagonal boron nitride nanotube shows semiconductive properties, while h‐BNNT is reported to be an insulator. Additional o‐BNNTs with varying diameters are calculated where the results suggest that the diameter has an effect on the binding energy and bandgap of the o‐BNNT. The defect sites of the o‐BNNT are reactive against hydrogen where a boron defect is particularly reactive. Thus, this work suggests that physical and chemical properties of a boron nitride nanotube can be tailored and tuned by controlling the lattice configuration of the nanotube.     

NBO,AIM, and TD-DFT assisted screening of BNNT optimum diameter on ethyl phosphorodimethylamidocyanidate sensor design

A computational study based on DFT calculations was performed to investigate the effect of phosphorodimethylamidocyanidate (PDMAC) molecule adsorption on the surface of pure and Ga-doped (4,0), (5,0), (6,0), (7,0), and (8,0) zigzag boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). Our results reveal that the interactions between PDMAC molecule and (5,0), (6,0), (7,0), and (8,0) BNNTs are weak. However, according to the AIM and NBO analysis the PDMAC exhibits strong affinity towards the (4,0) BNNT with appreciable adsorption energy (?111.03 kJ/mol). The adsorption of PDMAC molecule onto the (4,0) BNNT affect the electronic conductance, hypsochromic, and hyperchromic shifts in the calculated UV-Visible spectrum. Based on the obtained results, it is expected that the pristine and Ga-doped (4,0) BNNT could be promising candidates in gas sensor devices for detecting the PDMAC molecule.     

Electronic structures of organic molecule encapsulated BN nanotubes under transverse electric field

The electronic structures of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) doped by different organic molecules under a transverse electric field were investigated via first-principles calculations. The external field reduces the energy gap of BNNT, thus makes the molecular bands closer to the BNNT band edges and enhances the charge transfers between BNNT and molecules. The effects of the electric field direction on the band structure are negligible. The electric field shielding effect of BNNT to the inside organic molecules is discussed. Organic molecule doping strongly modifies the optical property of BNNT, and the absorption edge is redshifted under static transverse electric field.     

杂原子掺杂的含单空位缺陷BN纳米管的非线性光学性质

采用密度泛函理论(DFT)研究了杂原子M(M=Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, C和Si)在B/N单空位缺陷处的掺杂对(6,0)BN纳米管体系非线性光学性质的影响. 采用B3LYP方法共得到了14种几何构型, 并采用BHandHLYP方法计算了这些结构的第一超极化率β₀值. 研究结果表明, 单纯的B或N缺陷几乎不影响BN纳米管体系的非线性光学性质; 与B缺陷处掺杂的体系相比, 杂原子在N缺陷处的掺杂更有利于提高BN纳米管体系的第一超极化率β₀值; 对于同周期掺杂原子, 还原性越强的原子掺杂对BN纳米管体系的第一超极化率β₀值的改善越明显, 表现为β₀(Ⅰ族)>β₀(Ⅱ族)>β₀(Ⅳ族); 对比同主族掺杂原子, 第三周期元素Na和Mg的掺杂能更有效地提高体系的第一超极化率β₀值, 原因主要在于原子半径和还原性等因素共同决定其对BN纳米管体系第一超极化率β₀值的改善程度. 本文研究结果为有效提高BN纳米管体系的非线性光学性质提供了一种新思路, 为基于BN纳米管的非线性光学材料设计提供了有价值的理论信息.     

氮化硼纳米管热输运性能的分子动力学模拟

采用基于声子散射理论的Boltzmann-Peierls声子传输方程(BTE)和非平衡态分子动力学模拟(NEMD)方法研究了氮化硼纳米管(BNNT)的热输运性能.分析了BNNT的热力耦合效应,通过BTE与NEMD两种方法相结合,分析了温度和长度对BNNT热输运性能的影响,并应用量子修正扩大了NEMD的研究范围.结果表明:随着拉伸或压缩应变的增加,BNNT热输运性能均呈降低的趋势.通过计算声子态密度(PDOS)在理论上分析了以上结果,发现在拉伸状态下,声子模式的变化是决定BNNT热输运性能变化的主要因素;在压缩状态下,热导率变化是由于模型发生明显的屈曲变形引起的.在低温段,BNNT的热输运性能受量子效应影响最初有一个线性增加的过程,当温度超过一定值时,其开始显著地降低;当BNNT长度小于120nm时,随着长度的增加,其弹道性能逐渐减弱,但仍主要体现为弹道特征,其热导率(κ)与长度(L)基本满足κ∝Lα这一关系.     

SnO2 nanoparticle-functionalized boron nitride nanotubes

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were synthesized by a carbon-free chemical vapor deposition method using boron and metal oxide as reactants. Then SnO(2) nanoparticles were functionalized on them via a simple wet chemistry method. Detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that SnO(2) nanoparticles may cover the tube surface or be encapsulated in tube channels. The lattice distances of both BNNT and SnO(2) have been changed due to the strong interactions between them. The band gap energy of SnO(2) particles is found enlarged due to the size effect and interaction with BNNTs.