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