Thorn-like BN nanostructures

Thorn-like BN nanostructures that the nanosize hexagonal BN (h-BN) layers are randomly stacked looking like thorns were synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition of B/B2O3 under the flow of NH3 at 1200 °C. They can grow self-assembled forming the microsize lumps, and also deposit as sheathing layers on the pre-grown SiC nanowires with a controlled thickness in the range 20–100 nm. The spreading of the thorn-like BN layers as the sheathing layers results in a significantly enhanced surface area, 2400 m2/g.