APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

A nontoxic, inexpensive process yielding boron nitride aerogels for

  • Hydrogen storage
  • Supporting catalyst particles
  • Filters

ADVANTAGES:

  • Nontoxic synthesis process utilizing inexpensive raw materials supports the growing demand for new, nanostructured boron nitride materials
  • Yields boron nitride-based material
    • less susceptible to oxidation
    • more stable than competitive aerogel materials
    • with enhanced physisorption

ABSTRACT:

Researchers have synthesized highly crystalline sp2-bonded boron nitride aerogels through direct conversion of graphene aerogels. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies reveal a foliated architecture of wrinkled sheets, unique among low-density, porous boron nitride materials. The converted gels display over 95% chemical purity, high porosity, excellent crystalline order, and very high thermal stability.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE:  The researchers have synthesized the boron nitride aerogels, as described in their September 2013 publication linked below.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rousseas, M., Goldstein, A. P., Mickelson, W., Worsley, M. A., Woo, L., Zettl, A., “Synthesis of Highly Crystalline sp2-bonded Boron Nitride Aerogels,” ACS Nano, September 9, 2013.

STATUS:  Issued U. S. Patent #9,611,146. Available for licensing or collaborative research.

REFERENCE NUMBER: 2013-112