Synthesis and growth mechanism of BCN nanowires

The synthesis of ternary boron carbonitride (BCN) nanowires was reported in this study through a simple approach, by the reactions among a novel precursor boron triiodide (BI(3)), ammonia and water-free alcohol at 1100 degrees C. The product was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), respectively. The results show that the BCN nanowires are structurally disordered and possess a uniform diameter of about 30 nm. The elemental mapping shows that B and N elements are distributed homogeneously within the nanowires, while C element is enriched in the outer layer of the nanowires. The formation of these nanowires is believed to be governed by a vapor-solid (VS) growth model. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.