Work

Controllable Synthesis and VLS Growth Mechanism of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Catalyzed by Lithium Carbonate

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Controllable synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) remains challenging due to the difficulty of stabilizing reactive boron species and regulating their conversion pathways during high-temperature reactions. In this study, lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) is employed as a controlled Li–O releasing precursor, which decomposes in situ to promote the formation of lithium borate–rich Li–B–O liquid phases. These lithium borates act as the true reactive species that activate boron and facilitate vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth of BNNTs. The effects of reaction temperature and Li 2 CO 3 /B molar ratio on the morphology, structure, and purity of BNNTs were systematically investigated. An optimal Li 2 CO 3 /B ratio of 0.06 produced uniform, high-purity BNNTs, whereas insufficient or excessive Li 2 CO 3 led to incomplete nitridation or the formation of Li–B–O byproducts. Structural analyses─including FT-IR, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS─reveal that the optimized conditions suppress defect formation and enhance B–N coordination, yielding BNNTs with well-defined tubular architecture. A refined VLS growth mechanism is proposed, in which the size, shape, and spatial distribution of Li-containing liquid droplets govern BNNT diameter, crystallinity, and nucleation density. This work establishes a mechanistic framework for Li 2 CO 3 -assisted BNNT synthesis, clarifying the precursor role of Li 2 CO 3 in generating active lithium borate species, and provides a controllable strategy for achieving BNNTs with uniform morphology and well-defined crystalline structures through liquid-phase-mediated growth.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c11418

Authors: Yong Huang, Bingzhan Zhang, Han Zhao, Qingtao Li, Jianbo Bi

Institution: Hefei University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935

Funder: Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities