Evolution of Irradiation‐Induced Vacancy Defects in Boron Nitride Nanotubes. Issue 6 (18th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Guangming; Yao, Shanshan; Sang, Xiahan; Hao, Boyi; Zhang, Dongyan; Yap, Yoke Khin; Zhu, Yong
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 12:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 818
• Page End: 824
• Publication Date: 2015-12-18
• Subjects: boron nitride, nanotubes -- electron irradiation -- TEM -- irradiation‐induced defects -- vacancy defects; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201502440
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract : Irradiation‐induced vacancy defects in multiwalled (MW) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are investigated via in situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscope operated at 80 kV, with a homogeneous distribution of electron beam intensity. During the irradiation triangle‐shaped vacancy defects are gradually generated in MW BNNTs under a mediate electron current density (30 A cm −2 ), by knocking the B atoms out. The vacancy defects grow along a well‐defined direction within a wall at the early stage as a result of the curvature induced lattice strain, and then develop wall by wall. The orientation or the growth direction of the vacancy defects can be used to identify the chirality of an individual wall. With increasing electron current density, the shape of the irradiation‐induced vacancy defects changes from regular triangle to irregular polygon. Abstract : Triangle‐shaped vacancy defects are introduced in multiwalled boron nitride nanotubes under parallel e‐beam (80 keV) with a homogeneous distribution of beam intensity. The vacancy defects grow along energetically favorable directions within a wall at the early stage as a result of the curvature induced lattice strain and then develop wall by wall.