B-C-N Nanotubes and Related Nanostructures

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are part of the so-called B-C-N material system, which includes novel nanostructures of carbon (C), doped-carbon, boron (B), boron nitride (BN), carbon nitride (CN _x ), boron-carbon nitride (B _x C _y N _z ), and boron carbide (B _x C _y ). BNNTs and CNTs are structurally similar and share extraordinary mechanical properties, but they differ in chemical, biological, optical, and electrical properties. Therefore, hybrid nanotubes constructed of B, C, N elements are expected to form a new class of nanotubes with tunable properties between those of CNTs and BNNTs. In addition, these B-C-N nanostructures will further enhance and complement the applications of CNTs and BNNTs. With contributions from leading experts, B-C-N Nanotubes and Related Nanostructures is the first book to cover all theoretical and experimental aspects of this emerging material system, and meets the need for a comprehensive summary of the tremendous advances in research on B-C-N materials in recent years.