Large-scale preparation of aluminum borate-coated aluminum oxide nanowires

Single-crystal and uniform aluminum borate (Al4B2O9)-coated aluminum oxide nanowires have been synthesized in high purity and in large yield via a reaction of metal aluminum with boron oxide in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The aluminum oxide nanowires exhibit a well-crystallized one-dimensional structure with diameters ranging from 50 to 70 nm, and the Al4B2O9 have a coating thickness of about 1–5 nm. CNTs play a crucial role in the formation of the important ceramic nanowires, by providing a platform to grow the composite structure. The growth mechanism was proposed by the detailed microscopy observations.

Aluminum borate (Al4B2O9)-coated aluminum oxide nanowires have been synthesized in high purity and in large yield via a reaction of metal aluminum with boron oxide in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The reaction took place on the surface of the CNTs. The carbon nanotubes not only acted as a template, but also reacted with B2O3 to reduce the formation of the glassy B2O3.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide