Growth and characterisation of BNC nanostructures

BNC nanostructures were produced by the resistive heating of graphite and boric acid powder in a high isostatic pressure apparatus at a temperature of ∼1650 °C, with a nitrogen pressure of 12 MPa. The resultant nanostructures were examined using transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The growth mechanisms of the nanostructures are discussed.