Vertically aligned BCN nanotubes with high capacitance

ACS Nano. 2012 Jun 26;6(6):5259-65. doi: 10.1021/nn301044v. Epub 2012 Jun 4.

Abstract

Using a chemical vapor deposition method, we have synthesized vertically aligned BCN nanotubes (VA-BCNs) on a Ni-Fe-coated SiO(2)/Si substrate from a melamine diborate precursor. The effects of pyrolysis conditions on the morphology and thermal property of grown nanotubes, as well as the nanostructure and composition of an individual BCN nanotube, were systematically studied. It was found that nitrogen atoms are bonded to carbons in both graphitic and pyridinic forms and that the resultant VA-BCNs grown at 1000 °C show the highest specific capacitance (321.0 F/g) with an excellent rate capability and high durability with respect to nonaligned BCN (167.3 F/g) and undoped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (117.3 F/g) due to synergetic effects arising from the combined co-doping of B and N in CNTs and the well-aligned nanotube structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Boron / chemistry*
  • Electric Capacitance
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Boron