NER: Large-Scale Synthesis of Boron-containing Nanostructures

本研究的目的是利用一套简单的实验方案，大规模、高产率地制造氮化硼（BN）和氮化硼碳（BCN）纳米结构，并在尺寸（直径）、成分和排列上具有高度的单分散性。目标是利用传统无机化学原理，合理制定合适的合成策略，生成大规模的BN和BCN纳米结构。该方法是开发(a)新的底物来限制空间反应过程并诱导单分散；(b)新型可调催化剂；(c)易于加工的富硼有机金属和聚合物衍生的前体。使用两级炉系统的化学气相沉积技术将用于制造过程，因为这些技术适用于所提议的催化剂、底物和前体的快速和高通量筛选。该研究具有很高的社会效益，因为BN和BCN纳米结构对于高强度轻质材料、场发射体、光致发光器件、热稳定润滑剂以及微波和红外透明材料的实际开发具有重要意义。此外，这些材料具有工业上有用的储气和催化能力。产生的研究成果将被引入现有的研究生水平的表面科学课程，该课程已经突出了能源部布鲁克海文国家实验室科学家的前沿研究。最重要的是，这个项目将激发跨学科联合石溪- BNL纳米科学周日的创建，向公众开放，不仅包括领先的纳米研究人员，还包括来自当地社区的研究生，本科生，社区学院和高中参与者。

The objective of this research is to manufacture boron nitride (BN) and boron carbon nitride (BCN) nanostructures on a large scale in high yield and with high monodispersity in size (diameter), composition, and alignment using a simple set of experimental protocols. The goal is to generate large-scale quantities of BN and BCN nanostructures by using traditional inorganic chemistry principles to rationally develop appropriate synthetic strategies. The approach is to develop (a) novel substrates to spatially constrain the reaction process and to induce monodispersity; (b) novel, tunable catalysts; and (c) readily processable boron-rich organometallic and polymer-derived precursors. Chemical vapor deposition techniques using a two-stage furnace system will employed for the manufacturing processes as these are appropriate for the rapid and high-throughput screening of the proposed catalysts, substrates and precursors.The research is of high societal benefit because of the importance of BN and BCN nanostructures for the practical development of high-strength lightweight materials, field emitters, photoluminescent devices, thermally stable lubricants, and microwave and infrared-transparent materials. Moreover, these materials possess industrially useful gas storage and catalytic capabilities. Generated research results will be channeled into an existing graduate-level surface science course, that already highlights cutting edge research from the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists. Most importantly, this project will inspire the creation of an interdisciplinary joint Stony Brook - BNL Nanoscience Sunday, open to the general public, which will involve not only leading nanoscale researchers but also graduate, undergraduate, community college, and high-school participants from the local community.