Catalytic synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes at low temperatures.

KFeO2 is demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for the formation of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD). This alkali-based catalyst enables the formation of crystalline, multi-walled BNNTs with high aspect ratio at temperatures as low as 750 °C, significantly lower than those typically required for the product formation by TCVD.