Prospects for the Preparation and Application of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

doi:10.16553/j.cnki.issn1000-985x.2025.0031

Abstract

Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes （BNNTs） are a class of one-dimensional nanomaterials with unique structures and properties. Since their first synthesis in 1995， they have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. The structure of BNNTs is similar to carbon nanotubes （CNTs）， but formed by alternating arrangement of boron and nitrogen atoms. This structure endows BNNTs with a series of unique properties， such as high chemical stability， good heat resistance， electrical insulation and high thermal conductivity. The synthesis of BNNTs plays an important role in their performance research and application development. In addition， based on its excellent physical and chemical properties， BNNTs have demonstrated unique application value in multiple fields. This article systematically reviews the research progress on BNNTs at home and abroad in recent years， with a focus on in-depth analysis of preparation processes such as arc discharge method， laser ablation method， ductile annealing method， chemical vapor deposition （CVD） method， and template synthesis method. It also explores the latest research progress of this material in applications such as neutron shielding， biomedical， optical devices， and thermal conductive materials.

Key words: boron nitride; nanotube; one-dimensional material; neutron shielding; biomedical; optical device; thermal conductive material

CLC Number:

TB383

HE Shunyu, CHEN Xudan, YU Qiang, YAN Changzeng. Prospects for the Preparation and Application of Boron Nitride Nanotubes[J]. Journal of Synthetic Crystals, 2025, 54(8): 1388-1395.

Figures/Tables 6

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the formation mechanism of BNNTs prepared by arc discharge method［9］

Fig.2 HRTEM images of BNNTs synthesized under different carrier gas［10］

Fig.3 Transmission electron microscopy images of BNNTs annealed in different gases［14］. （a） NH3： a typical straight cylindrical shape with a diameter of 7 nm；（b） N2： bamboo-like structure （diameter of 20~120 nm）

Fig.4 Process of preparing BNNTs by CVD method［20］. （a） Schematic diagram of the synthetic apparatus；（b） top-view image of the reaction chamber after processing， a white feather-like product is attached to the inner wall of the chamber；（c） image of the product；（d），（e） images of the product under higher magnifications

Fig.5 Schematic illustration of the formation process of the BNNTs［22］. （a） Original SiC nanowire；（b） SiC nanowire beaded with liquid B-N-H containing polymer；（c） final BNNTs formed with SiC template etched out

Fig.6 Various shapes formed by agarose/p-BNNTs hydrogel［26］

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