Isotopically enriched ¹⁰BN nanotubes

The synthesis of BN nanotubes with a high yield and in large quantities using a ball-milling/annealing process is discussed. BN nanotubes (BNNTs) have the same nanotubular structure as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and can be regarded as a seamless cylinder rolled up from a sheet of the BN basal plane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis with a field-emission Hitachi S4500 microscope was used to examine the morphology of nanotube samples. The SEM image shows a high yield of nanotubes, some BN layers and a few Fe catalyst particles which were obtained from the enriched ¹⁰B powders. X-ray dispersive analysis (EDS) confirmed that the nanotube consist of elemental B and N as shown by the peaks of the spectra. It was found that the BN nanotubes can be successfully produced using a ball-milling/ annealing process. The ¹⁰BN nanotubes have a well-crystallized multiwalled structure and exhibit a strong resistance to oxidation.