Synthesis and characterization of graphite-like carbon nitride nanobelts and nanotubes

Carbon nitride nanobelts and nanotubes were synthesized through polycondensation of dicyandiamide (H4C2N4) and melamine (C3N6H6) at 290 °C and 4.5–5 MPa. The as-synthesized samples were investigated by powder x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and photoluminescence spectra. The results indicate that a new kind of graphite-like carbon nitride nanobelt and nanotube has been synthesized. The widths of the nanobelts range from 100 nm to 3 µm, the thickness is about 5–50 nm, and lengths range from several micrometres to tens of micrometres or longer. The nanotubes have outer diameters of 70–200 nm, inner diameters of 5–20 nm, and lengths of several micrometres. These nanobelts and nanotubes have luminescent properties and may have potential uses as components of optical nanoscale devices. The mechanism of formation is also investigated.