A simple thermal decomposition-nitridation route to nanocrystalline boron nitride (BN) from a single N and B source precursor

Nanocrystalline boron nitride (BN) was synthesized via a simple thermal decomposition-nitridation route by the reaction of hydrated ammonium tetraborate (NH4HB4O7 center dot 3H(2)O) and metallic magnesium powders in an autoclave at 650 degrees C. The crystal phase, morphology, grain size, and chemical composition of the as-prepared products were characterized in detail by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The products were also studied by FT-IR and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results revealed that the as-synthesized nanocrystalline were h-BN, and they had diameters within 100 nm. They had good thermal stability and oxidation resistance in high temperature. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.