Properties of composite BxCyNz nanotubes and related heterojunctions

Abstract We review the stability and electronic properties of composite B x C y N z nanotubes, including BN-, BC 2 N - and B-doped carbon nanotubes. We show in particular that BC 2 N systems are driven towards the segregation of pure C and BN sections. The same process of segregation into BC 3 islands is evidenced in the case of B-doped carbon nanotubes. These spontaneous segregation processes lead to the formation of quantum dots or nanotube heterojunctions with potential important technological applications.