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

A variable pressure (up to 10 atm) powder/gas/liquid injection inductively coupled plasma system has been developed and used to produce high-quality boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) at continuous production rates of 35 g/h. Under suitable conditions, collapsed BN nanotubes (i.e., nanoribbons), and closed shell BN capsules (i.e., nanococoons) are also obtained. The process is adaptable to a large variety of feedstock materials.