Stability, electronic structures and transport properties of armchair (10, 10) BN/C nanotubes

Journal Article · Mon Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2013 · Journal of Solid State Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSSC.2013.01.026· OSTI ID:22304567

Xiao, H. P.; He, Chaoyu; Zhang, C. X. ^[1]; Zhou, Pan ^[1]; Zhong, Jianxin ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, Laboratory for Quantum Engineering and Micro-Nano Energy Technology, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan (China)

Using the first-principle calculations, the stability and electronic properties of two novel types of four-segment armchair (10, 10) BN/C hybrid nanotubes ((BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT and (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT) as well as two-segment armchair (10, 10) BN/C hybrid nanotubes ((BN{sub 20−n}C{sub n}NTs) are systematically investigated. When n increases from 1 to 4, the band gap of (BN){sub 20−n}C{sub n}NTs gradually decreases to a narrow one. When 4≤n≤17, the electronic structure of carbon segment in (BN){sub 20−n}C{sub n}NTs behaves as zigzag graphene nanoribbons whose band gap is modulated by an inherent electric field of the BN segment. ZGNR-like segments in (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT and (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT behave as narrow gap semiconductor and metal, respectively, due to their different chemical environment. Moreover, the (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT can separate electron and hole carriers, indicating its potential application in solar cell materials. Obvious transport enhancement around the Fermi level is found in the four-segment nanotubes, especially a 6G{sub 0} transmission peak in the metallic (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT. - Graphical abstract: Structural diagram of four-segment (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT and its typical two-probe system. The band structures and transport spectra of (BN){sub 5}C{sub 5}(NB){sub 5}C{sub 5}NT are shown in upper and lower panels. Highlights: ► Transport properties of two types of four-segment BNC hybrid nanotubes are studied. ► Transport enhancements are realized in the four-segment BNC hybrid nanotubes. ► Electron and hole separation is found in four-segment BNC hybrid nanotubes.

• OSTI ID: 22304567
• Journal Information: Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Solid State Chemistry Vol. 200; ISSN 0022-4596; ISSN JSSCBI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
BORON NITRIDES
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL METHOD
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
ELECTRONS
FERMI LEVEL
GRAPHENE
HYBRIDIZATION
NANOTUBES
PEAKS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS
SPECTRA
STABILITY