Reaction of hexagonal boron nitride nano-crystals under mild hydrothermal conditions

Abstract

The reaction between hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nano-crystals and water at low temperature and low pressure has been investigated. The results reveal that this reaction can be greatly promoted by increasing the hot-pressing temperature. However, when the temperature is above 280°C, the reaction is too fast to be controlled by varying the hot-pressing pressure and time. On the other hand, stress and defects are induced in hBN nano-crystals by the hydrothermal hot-pressing process, resulting in a shift of the IR absorption bands and a deterioration of crystalline perfection. These results may be useful for synthesizing cBN by the hydrothermal method and converting hBN nanocrystals into cBN under moderate conditions. © 2008 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, Tübingen.