Arc-melting synthesis of BN nanocapsules from B/Al, TiB2 and VB2

Nanoparticles of AlB10, TiN and VN encapsulated by boron nitride (BN) layers were synthesized by an arc-melting method in a N2/Ar gas mixture from boron/Al powder compacts, TiB2 and VB2, respectively. From high-resolution electron microscopy observations, formation mechanisms of BN nanocapsules were proposed, and BN tube-like structures were also produced. Magnetization of BN nanocapsules with TiN nanoparticles showed a spin-glass-like behavior. The present work indicates that Al, Ti and V could be a good catalyst to produce BN nanocapsules, nanocages and nanotubes by the arc melting method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]