Pyrolytic-grown B-C-N and BN nanotubes

We report the growth of pyrolytic boron-carbon-nitrogen (B-C-N) nanotubes on iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) catalysts. It was discovered that different catalysts had effect on the elemental compositions of B-C-N nanotubes, which may allow one to tune the transport properties of B-C-N nanotubes in a wide range. A new synthetic route was also developed to generate H3N:BH3 as the precursor and yield boron nitride (BN) nanotubes by pyrolysis. The typical growth scenario of multi-wall BN tubes will be discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.