Defects and Deformation of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Studied by Joint Nanoscale Mechanical and Infrared Near-Field Microscopy

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are a one-dimensional material with high mechanical strength, good electric insulation, exceptional thermal conductivity, and high temperature stability. The presence of defects and,,deformations in BNNTs at the nanoscale affects mechanical properties. In- this article, we jointly utilize nanomechanical,characterizatiOn and infrared scattering type near -field microscopy on the same individual BNNTs to study the defects and deformations. A characteristic structural defect of BNNT is revealed by a blue -shift of infrared absorption and discontinuity in adhesion. Polygonal facets have been observed: in BNNTs, as supported by their mechanical responses and spectroscopic signatures. The presence of polygon -al facets implies one should expect reactive chemical and hyperbolic optical properties of BNNTs.