Bamboo-like boron nitride nanotubes

Bamboo-like boron nitride nanotubes (BN-NTs), synthesized from melamine diborate, were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. A postulated morphology transformation model between bamboo-like tubes and uniform BN-NTs was proposed. Though some iron-alloy particles encapsulated inside the tubes may affect the transformation process, the temperature gradient applied in the nanotube growth process was considered as the determining factor. The formation of bamboo-like tubes became preferred when a relatively steep temperature gradient was applied.