Co-produced carbon and boron nitride helical cones and the nucleation of curved BN sheets

Subangstrom edge relaxations probed by electron microscopy in hexagonal boron nitride

Theoretical research on the two-dimensional crystal structure of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has suggested that the physical properties of h-BN can be tailored for a wealth of applications by controlling the atomic structure of the membrane edges. Unexplored for h-BN, however, is the possibility that small additional edge-atom distortions could have electronic structure implications critically important to nanoengineering efforts. Here we demonstrate, using a combination of analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory, that covalent interlayer bonds form spontaneously at the edges of a h-BN bilayer, resulting in subangstrom distortions of the edge atomic structure. Orbital maps calculated in 3D around the closed edge reveal that the out-of-plane bonds retain a strong π(*) character. We show that this closed edge reconstruction, strikingly different from the equivalent case for graphene, helps the material recover its bulklike insulating behavior and thus largely negates the predicted metallic character of open edges.

Syntheses and properties of B-C-N and BN nanostructures

The current status of research on boron-carbon-nitrogen (B-C-N) and boron nitride (BN) nanotubes is presented. The latest achievements in syntheses, analyses and property measurements of these nanoscale tubular architectures are reviewed. The characteristic features of B-C-N and BN nanotubes, compared with conventional C nanotubes, are paid special attention. In particular, the latest breakthroughs in the chemical vapour deposition synthesis of BN nanotubes and an insight into their unique structures are highlighted. A wide range of potential applications is also envisaged, based on the recent progress, which includes pioneering results in BN nanocable fabrication, gas adsorption, electron transport and field emission measurements.

Formation, structure, and structural properties of a new filamentary tubular form: hollow conical-helix of graphitic boron nitride

A novel tubular form of graphitic boron nitride (BN) displaying a hollow conical-helix was discovered. It was generated via wrapping a single beltlike filament according to the geometry of an Archimedes spiral. Cone apex angles of helical-conical nanotubes (HCNTs) were found to exhibit specific values, each of which refers to a certain coincidence site lattice. A unique structural property of HCNTs was observed, displaying the transformation of apex angles during the annealing process. The observed apex angles were reduced with decreasing annealing temperature, which is in accordance with an estimated HCNT strain energy decrease for a given tubular radius. It is suggested that the curvature and apex angle of a HCNT are determined by a sole dynamic element, that is, enthalpy (DeltaH), whereas the HCNT disclination configuration changes through helical sliding of the filament.