Development of purification for high-quality boron nitride nanotube liquid crystals

Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT), a structural analog of carbon nanotube, has emerged as a key-enabling material in various fields of extreme/major science thanks to its transformative properties such as high oxidation resistance, high specific mechanical strength, piezoelectricity, and high neutron shielding capability. To harness its unique properties, it is essential to fabricate macroscopic BNNT articles from their powder form. Prof. Kim’s team in Canada is the world’s leading expert in the mass production of BNNTs; however, the team does not possess a technology to realize high-concentration BNNT dispersion, which is critical to the fabrication of macroscopic BNNT articles such as BNNT buckypapers, thin films, and yarns. The intern’s group (KIST) in Korea led by Dr. Jang is a world-class leading group in the high-concentration BNNT dispersion technology. Therefore, there is a strong synergy in this global collaboration, which could expedite the progress in the development of BNNT applications based on ultra-high performance / ultra-high functional BNNT macroscopic assemblies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Keun Su Kim

Student:

Partner:

Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Advanced Manufacturing; Aerospace

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: