Optical properties of BN nanotubes

High-yield boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), synthesized using a ball-milling (planetary mill) and annealing method, were analyzed using FTIR, optical excitation and optical absorption spectroscopy. The FTIR peak centered at 1489cm -1 appears to indicate the high quality BNNTs. The band gap of these multi-wall bamboo BNNTs drawn from Photoluminescence spectrum is 5.75 eV, just slightly narrower than the hexagonal BN (h-BN) powder (5.82 eV). And the BNNTs present stronger and broader UV-visible-NIR light emission in comparison with h-BN powder. © 2006 IEEE.