Growth and characterization of BCN nanotubes with high boron and nitrogen content

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes doped with boron and nitrogen (BCNTs) have been synthesized by chemical vapour deposition at temperatures ranging from 800 • C to 950 • C. Their morphological and structural features have been studied by transmission electron microscope, which reveal that BCNTs have bamboo-like structure. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the atomic ratio of B, C and N of BCNTs is about 1:4:1, when temperature is 850 • C. Electrooxidation performance of the BCNTs for NO at the modified electrodes was investigated. The results of cyclic voltammograms and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of BCNT-modified electrodes indicated that the activity of NO electrooxidation on 850 • C-modified electrodes is much stronger than others and the charge transfer resistance of NO electroxidation BCNT-modified electrode is the least. By this means, BCNT-modified electrodes showed excellent electrode materials for NO detection and other potential applications.