One-step solid state reaction to synthesis of hexagonal BN crystals with rod-like morphology

Hexagonal BN crystals have been synthesized from a facile one-step solid state reaction route by sodium tetraphenylborate, hydrazine, zinc powder and sulphur powder as the reactants. The SEM and TEM results showed the BN crystals had the morphology of one-dimensional rod-like shape and with diameters in the range of 100-200 nm and lengths up to several micrometers. Compared with the other reported methods, this route has greatly reduced the reaction temperature. In addition, the growth mechanism of the BN nanorods was discussed in detail. Meanwhile, thermal gravimetric analysis results indicated that the as-prepared BN nanorods have the excellent thermal stability and anti-oxidation properties.