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Large-quantity production of high-yield boron nitride nanotubes
journal contribution
posted on 2002-08-01, 00:00 authored by Ying (Ian) ChenYing (Ian) Chen, M Conway, J S Williams, J ZouA high quantity and yield (up to 85%) of boron nitride (BN) nanotubes have been produced using a mechanothermal method. Elemental boron powders were first mechanically milled at room temperature in NH 3 atmosphere and subsequently heated in N 2 gas at 1200°C for up to 16 h. The BN nanotubes obtained have either multiwalled cylindrical or bamboolike structures, suggesting different growth processes. The high formation yield of BN nanotubes is due to a high density of nanostructured nuclei created by an extensive milling treatment.