Formation of boron nitride nanostructures by means of 60keV N-2(+) ion beam bombardment

The formation of bended BN nanostructures and small BN cage-like molecules, under N-2(+) ion-bombardment of BN samples, is reported. The analysis of h igh-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicates that bending the flat sp(2) layers with strain or lattices defects directly under the mechan ical deformation forms these BN nanostructures. In addition, the cages in d iamlter range from about 0.4 to 1.8nm, closing to those of the B-12 N-12, B 16N16, and B208N208 octahedral, were observed. The origins of the bended BN sheets and small BN cages were discussed based on the viewpoint of beam-so lid interaction.