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

Title	Liquid crystals of neat boron nitride nanotubes and their assembly into ordered macroscopic materials
Authors	Cedric J. Simonsen Ginestra, Cecilia Martínez-Jiménez, Asia Matatyaho Ya'akobi, et al.
Magazine	Nature Communications
Date	06/07/2022
DOI	10.1038/s41467-022-30378-5
Introduction	Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are known for their outstanding properties, but difficulties in synthesis and processing have hindered their use in macroscopic applications. Recent developments have enabled the production of highly pure BNNTs. This study demonstrates that BNNTs dissolve in chlorosulfonic acid (CSA), forming birefringent liquid crystal domains at concentrations above 170 ppmw. These domains merge into larger regions with light sonication. Cryogenic electron microscopy reveals nematic alignment of BNNTs, enabling the processing of aligned films and fibres. This research highlights the potential of BNNTs in forming macroscopic materials for high-performance applications.
Quote	Cedric J. Simonsen Ginestra, Cecilia Martínez-Jiménez and Asia Matatyaho Ya'akobi et al. Liquid crystals of neat boron nitride nanotubes and their assembly into ordered macroscopic materials. Nat Commun. 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30378-5

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