Boron Nitride Nanotubes: Properties, Synthesis and Applications

What is Boron Nitride Nanotubes?

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are a fascinating class of nanomaterials that have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields. These nanotubes, composed of boron and nitrogen atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, exhibit exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, making them promising candidates for advanced materials and technology development.

Figure 1. Structures and properties of BN nanotubes

Product List

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Catalog Number	Product Name	Inquiry
ACMA00049735	Boron Nitride Nanotube
ACMA00020970	Boron Nitride (BN) Micropowder - 100 grams
ACMA00020971	Boron Nitride (BN) Ultrafine Powder - 5 Grams
ACMA00020973	Boron Nitride (BN) Pristine Flakes in Solution, 100 ml
GH-10043115	Boron Nitride BN Powder
ACM10043115-16	Hexagonal boron nitride ink
ACM10043115-27	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) Powder
ACMA00018447	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) on Copper Foil
ACMA00018448	Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) on Si/SiO2
ACMA00020976	Single Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride on 285 nm SiO2/Si: 4 Pack
ACMA00020977	Single Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride on 285 nm SiO2/Si: 8 Pack
ACMA00020978	Multilayer h-BN (Boron Nitride) film grown in copper foil
ACMA00020979	Single layer h-BN (Boron Nitride) film grown on copper foil: 2" x 1"	Inquiry

Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

• High thermal stability: BNNTs can withstand very high temperatures, up to 900°C in air and over 1400°C in inert environments.
• High thermal conductivity: BNNTs exhibit excellent thermal conductivity, similar to that of carbon nanotubes.
• Electrical insulation: BNNTs are electrical insulators, unlike carbon nanotubes which can conduct electricity.
• High mechanical strength: BNNTs have high tensile strength and can withstand high pressures, making them potentially useful in structural applications.
• Chemical inertness: BNNTs are relatively chemically inert, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
• Low density: BNNTs have a low density, making them lightweight and suitable for use in aerospace and other high-performance applications.

Synthesis Methods of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

There are several methods for synthesizing Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT), including:

• Chemical vapor deposition (CVD): In this method, boron and nitrogen-containing precursors are decomposed at high temperatures to form BNNTs on a substrate.
• Arc discharge: In this method, a high voltage arc is struck between two graphite electrodes in a chamber filled with boron nitride powder. The high temperature generated by the arc leads to the formation of BNNTs.
• Laser ablation: In this method, a high-power laser is used to ablate a boron nitride target, leading to the formation of BNNTs in the vapor phase.
• Solution-based methods: In this method, boron and nitrogen-containing precursors are dissolved in a solvent and reacted to form BNNTs. This method is advantageous as it allows for the synthesis of BNNTs in a controlled manner.
• Template-assisted methods: In this method, BNNTs are grown on a template material that serves as a guide for the growth of the nanotubes.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of synthesis method depends on the desired properties of the BNNTs and the specific application they will be used for.

Applications of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

• Aerospace and defense: BNNTs can be used in the manufacture of lightweight and high-strength composites for aircraft, spacecraft, and military equipment. These composites can provide better protection against impact and thermal fluctuations.
• Biomedical: BNNTs have shown potential in drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and ability to penetrate cell membranes.
• Electronic devices: BNNTs can be used as semiconductors, insulators, and conductors in electronic devices such as transistors, capacitors, and sensors. They have unique electronic properties that could enable the development of faster and more energy-efficient electronics.
• Energy storage: BNNTs can improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. They have a high thermal stability and excellent electrical conductivity, making them suitable for use in energy storage applications.
• Thermal management: BNNTs can be used as fillers in thermal interface materials to improve heat dissipation in electronic devices and high-power semiconductor devices. They have high thermal conductivity and can enhance the efficiency of thermal management systems.

Reference

1. Oku, T. Synthesis, atomic structures and properties of boron nitride nanotubes. Physical and Chemical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes (InTech, 2013). 2013, 119-153.