Glycerol assisted growth of boron suboxycarbide whiskers

A high yield of boron suboxycarbide whiskers has been obtained through glycerol assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) mechanism. Here we demonstrate that, glycerol, previously treated as a traditional organic binder, is more effective in assisting the high yield growth of boron suboxycarbide whiskers than carbon powders. It is suggested that the source materials act as the polymerization catalyst and the carbonization of glycerol promotes the growth of boron suboxycarbide whiskers. Our finding provides a convenient way to fabricate boron suboxycarbide whiskers.