Synthesis of (B- and/or N-) substituted carbon nanoforms

Heterogeneous single wall carbon nanotubes and graphene were synthesized using the electric arc method. The arc conditions were monitored to study the correlation between the operating parameters and the obtained products. Substitution with boron and/or nitrogen was confirmed through spectroscopic chemical analyses. It was found that, as soon as N is present in suitable amount, the formation of BN islands within the graphene lattice prevails over other atom arrangements.