Bulk-quantity fast production of Al4B2O9/Al18B4O33 single-crystal nanorods by a novel technique

Large-area and fast production of single-crystal Al4B2O9 nanorods is reported via simple thermal chemical route by the reaction of B with B2O3 and Al2O3 in 1050 °C air atmosphere. There is no other metal catalyst and protective carrier gas in the process. We can also obtain Al18B4O33 nanorods by annealing above obtained Al4B2O9 nanorods which included a little alumina. The scanning electron microscope measurements showed that the aluminum borate nanorods obtained had uniform diameters in the range of 30 to 50 nm and the lengths up to about 1 μm. The duration time influence on the products was also investigated.