The germanium-doped boron nitride nanotube serving as a potential resource for the detection of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide.

Highlights: [•] The reactivities of Ge doped BNNT towards CO and NO are theoretically investigated. [•] Toxic CO and NO molecules present strong chemisorption on the Ge doped BNNT. [•] The doping of the Ge atom improves the electronic property of the BNNT. [•] Ge doped BNNT is expected to be a potential sensor for detecting toxic CO and NO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]