A current review on boron nitride nanotubes and their applications

Abstract

BNNTs are the tubular variants of the ceramic compound hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and are known for their high thermal and chemical stability. The research on BNNTs is ever-evolving, researchers are on a quest to optimise the synthesis procedure for the nanomaterial. Here a variety of currently followed synthesis techniques were discussed and compared. X-ray diffraction patterns and electron microscopy results of BNNTs synthesised by various techniques were compared, this would give the pros and cons of each synthesis technique. Based on this, suggestions for the best-suited synthesis technique from an academic as well as industrial perspective were given. The individual properties of these nanotubes, along with their potential applications in the field of spintronics, surface wetting, and radiation capture were delineated.