The most accurate way might be the in-situ TEM measurement. Actually, by altering and improving the equipment, it can also be achieved by in-situ imaging by optical microscope if the density of BNNTs are not too large.

Dear Ran Du

Thanks

Whatever you suggested can easily be done  after the synthesis. Actually we want to make a mechanism to do it during the synthesis. For this purpose, we are seeking some suggestions......................

Dear Ahmad,

You may misunderstand my suggestion. Both the TEM & optical imaging can be done during growth. Many literatures have demonstrate the in-situ TEM monitoring of CNT growth. Additionally, recently our group has also develope method for real-time optial imaging of etching process of CNTs, although the result has not been published. So I think it is possible to conduct mechanism studies by above two approaches. Of course you should devise and fabricate equipment for both BNNT growth and real-time monitoring.

Dear Ran Du

Thanks for your time and valuable discussions. It would be very great if you could share some of the specific points / expertise from your unpublished work. We shall really be grateful.