Scientists have known about BNNT's (Boron Nitride Nanotubes) for many years. Since their important discovery, research has focused on understanding their amazing characteristics and benefits when atomically integrated with base materials such as metals, alloys, glass, plastics and other advanced polymers.
BNNT's, which are a molecular combination of Boron and Nitrogen in a rectangular polymorph structural form (around one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair), provide a nanoscale structural reinforcement in a variety of materials. This form enables them to be many times stronger, more flexible, thermally conductive, heat resistant, more durable and with their longitudinally strong and transversely supple characteristics are also transparent, piezoelectric and inherently noncytotoxic.
They function as insulators in electronics, provide radiation shielding and are insoluble and hydrophobic. CNT's (carbon nanotubes) share a similar structure as BNNT's, however, they cannot withstand high temperatures, are toxic, inflexible, electrically conductive, break down in oxidizing environments and are less biocompatible in other materials.
Why BNNT is Revolutionary
Lithium-ion batteries have advanced to the point where they cannot be made any smaller or lighter to provide the same energy storage and power delivery. Their charge times and total charge cycles have reached their limits.
BNNT's hold the key to developing a new battery type with superior performance and less than one-quarter of the size/battery mass. Furthermore, the architecture and chemistry of these BNNT composite batteries offer flexible form batteries such as lightweight bendable structures for flexible devices and clothing accessories.
