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Liquid crystals of neat boron nitride nanotubes and their assembly into ordered macroscopic materials

Author

Listed:
  • Cedric J. Simonsen Ginestra

    (Rice University)

  • Cecilia Martínez-Jiménez

    (Rice University)

  • Asia Matatyaho Ya’akobi

    (Technion-Israel Institute of Technology)

  • Oliver S. Dewey

    (Rice University)

  • Ashleigh D. Smith McWilliams

    (Rice University)

  • Robert J. Headrick

    (Rice University
    Rice University)

  • Jesus A. Acapulco

    (Rice University)

  • Lyndsey R. Scammell

    (BNNT Materials, LLC)

  • Michael W. Smith

    (BNNT Materials, LLC)

  • Dmitry V. Kosynkin

    (Rice University)

  • Daniel M. Marincel

    (Rice University
    Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)

  • Cheol Park

    (NASA Langley Research Center)

  • Sang-Hyon Chu

    (National Institute of Aerospace)

  • Yeshayahu Talmon

    (Technion-Israel Institute of Technology)

  • Angel A. Martí

    (Rice University
    Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering
    Department of BioEngineering
    Rice University)

  • Matteo Pasquali

    (Rice University
    Rice University
    Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering
    Rice University)

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have attracted attention for their predicted extraordinary properties; yet, challenges in synthesis and processing have stifled progress on macroscopic materials. Recent advances have led to the production of highly pure BNNTs. Here we report that neat BNNTs dissolve in chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) and form birefringent liquid crystal domains at concentrations above 170 ppmw. These tactoidal domains merge into millimeter-sized regions upon light sonication in capillaries. Cryogenic electron microscopy directly shows nematic alignment of BNNTs in solution. BNNT liquid crystals can be processed into aligned films and extruded into neat BNNT fibers. This study of nematic liquid crystals of BNNTs demonstrates their ability to form macroscopic materials to be used in high-performance applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Cedric J. Simonsen Ginestra & Cecilia Martínez-Jiménez & Asia Matatyaho Ya’akobi & Oliver S. Dewey & Ashleigh D. Smith McWilliams & Robert J. Headrick & Jesus A. Acapulco & Lyndsey R. Scammell & Micha, 2022. "Liquid crystals of neat boron nitride nanotubes and their assembly into ordered macroscopic materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-30378-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30378-5
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