Scaled Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes, Nanoribbons, and Nanococoons Using Direct Feedstock Injection into an Extended-Pressure, Inductively-Coupled Thermal Plasma 2014-122

APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

Scalable production of boron nitride nanomaterials that can be used in high temperature environments or harsh chemical environments, e.g., aerospace or nuclear industries.

ABSTRACT:

A research team led by Alex Zettl has developed a variable pressure, powder/gas/liquid injection inductively coupled plasma system that is used to produce high quality boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) at continuous rates of 35 g/hour.  For example, in this system, boron powder is introduced to a directed flow of plasma and boron nitride nanostructures are formed in a chamber.

This system can produce collapsed BN nanotubes (nanoribbons) and closed shell BN capsules (nanococoons).  The system is also adaptable to a large variety of feedstock materials.

For more details, see the researchers’ publication in NanoLetters, linked here.

STATUS: Published PCT application PCT/US2015/037448 (publication #WO/2015/200496). Available for licensing or collaborative research.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Fathalizadeh, A., Pham, T., Mickelson, W., Zettl, A. “Scaled Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes, Nanoribbons, and Nanococoons Using Direct Feedstock Injection into an Extended-Pressure, Inductively-Coupled Thermal Plasma,” NanoLetters, July 8, 2014 (online).

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REFERENCE NUMBER: 2014-122