Nanotube C–BN heterostructures: electronic properties Original Research Article

New quasi one-dimensional (1D) and dimensionless (0D) objects – nanotubes constructed of C and BN fragments – are considered and their electron spectra are computed by the method of crystal orbitals. Main and mini-zone gaps are shown to be considerably varied for (n, 0) zigzag tube superlattices with C2kn BNln(l,k=1,…) unit cells when C (or BN) fragment length is changed. Dot and interface (0D) states are studied when a C-ring fragment is situated on a BN tube tip, in the middle of a BN tube or between two BN fragments in a C tube. A broad variation of electron spectra is presented in this case also.