Synthesis and Characterization of Boron Nitride Powders Produced under Concentrated Light

Structural similarity of graphitic carbon and hexagonal BN (h-BN) initiated the intensive studies of BN nanostructures. However, the ionic origin of BN leads to electronic structure and properties of BN structures that significantly differ from that of carbon nanostructures. Therefore, the goal of this work is to synthesize and research the properties of boron nitride powders and BN powders with additives (Ta, Si, In, C, Ni) produced under effect of concentrated light in a flow of nitrogen in a xenon high-flux optical furnace. Scanning and transmission electron and optical microscopes demonstrated structures of new morphologies for the powders, which were formed. X-ray Diffraction study, Raman scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and electron diffraction study have confirmed a complicated structure and phase composition of the powders with a prevalence of the amorphous phases. The study of optical properties was carried out on spectrophotometer. It was demonstrated an effect of experimental conditions, surface modification and additives on phase composition, optical properties, morphology and structure formation. The gaseous model based on an evolution of the bubble was proposed for explanation of nanotubes formation. Burst of these bubbles may result in graphene-like structures formation. Keywords: Light heating, Nanostructures