Plasma Spray Synthesis of High Purity Boron Nitride Nanotubes, Year 1

This project exploits the high temperature/inert gas characteristics of the RF plasma process to produce large quantities of pure Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs). For this project, the LaRC Radiofrequency Plasma Synthesis (RFPS) facility will be configured for deposition of metals using helium, to the in-situ synthesis of BNNTs using nitrogen.Plasma forming gas mixture and reaction temperature gradient conducive to high yield of high quality BNNTs will be established andBNNTs will be synthesized in a product form suitable as a structural reinforcing agent for nanocomposites, e.g. high aspect ratio. Additionally, dry fractionation methods will be developed to collect and separate end product based on physical characteristics, e.g. length. Represents an advance from laboratory-scale to pilot plant operations. Semi-continuous processing of high yield and high quality BNNTs More »