Exploring the synthesis of boron nitride at low temperature

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Authors
Yara, Nikhil Kumar
Advisors
Wei, Wei
Issue Date
2023-12
Type
Thesis
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Abstract

Boron nitride (BN) is one of the most advanced ceramic materials that have appealing properties such as electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity. There are a lot of methods to synthesize BNs. In this work, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) which requires temperatures around 1000°C was used. This thesis work aimed to design and develop a lower- temperature CVD method for the production of BN to improve efficiency and reduce costs. B, MgO and Fe2O3 were used as the precursors in the ratio of 2:1:1 respectively. Along with this, He and NH3 gases were used to carry out the reaction to produce the BN as the end product which has nanotubes, flakes, hair-like structures, and bubbles. Various temperatures in the range of 800 to 1000ºC with varying reactions, flow rates of gases, and pressure were investigated. There was an effect on BN production by varying the flow rate and reaction time. XRD and SEM were employed to characterize the obtained BN. It showed that BNNTs were obtained at 800ºC, 850ºC and 900ºC with a shorter reaction time between 30 to 45 mins and an NH3 flow rate of 1.00 - 1.25 L/min. At various higher temperatures, BN with flakes, hair-like structures and bubbles were obtained. Under less optimal parameters, amorphous boron nitride nanostructures were formed. This thesis demonstrates a promising energy-efficient CVD route for BN and also synthesized BN with some structures like nanotubes, flakes and bubbles. Usually, these BNNTs are synthesized at very high temperatures but this work was able to produce BNs at about 200°C below the conventional temperatures. The results provide new insight into the relationships between temperature, flow rates, duration, and BN yield. Further work will be needed to improve nanotube purity and density. Nonetheless, the technique developed represents progress toward greener, more cost-effective BNNT production.

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Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
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Wichita State University
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