BCN nanotubes and boron doping of carbon nanotubes

The synthesis of BCN nanotubes and boron doped (1 to 5 at.% B) carbon nanotubes is achieved by an electric arc-discharge between an anode made of homogeneous BC4N and a cathode made of graphite. The BC4N anode is prepared by pyrolysis of polymer precursors. The effect of boron doping is seen to increase the tube lenghts up to 100 μm and to improve graphitization. Boron and nitrogen are enriched at the surfaces of tubes with overall BCN composition. The observed structure of BCN tubes consists of concentric cylinders of BC2N and pure carbon.