Effective precursor for high yield synthesis of pure BN nanotubes

Large quantities of highly pure BN nanotubes have been synthesized within a wide temperature range through using a mixture of FeO, MgO and boron powder as the precursor. X-ray diffraction pattern indicated highly pure h-BN phase of our sample. The morphology and microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The growth mechanism of BN nanotubes has been clarified to be a catalytic growth. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.