A reduction–nitridation route to boron nitride nanotubes

Multiwalled boron nitride nanotubes were synthesized through a simple reduction–nitridation route, in which boron trifluoride etherate ((C₂H₅)₂OBF₃) and sodium azide (NaN₃) were used as reactants in the presence of Fe-Ni powder at 600 °C for 12 h. The obtained BN nanotubes have an average outer diameter of 60 nm, an average inner diameter of 30 nm, and an average length up to 300 nm. Some nanobamboo structured BN were found coexisting with the BN nanotubes. The experimental results show that the reaction temperature and Fe-Ni powder play important roles in the formation of BN nanotubes. Finally, a possible formation mechanism is also discussed. PACS 81.07.De; 81.16.Be; 81.16.Rf; 81.16.Hc