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Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) Applied Plasma Technologies, Corp. (APT) specializes in the development of the Direct Boron Nitriding (DBN) technology for producing Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT). Our process utilizes pure nitrogen in a plasma state to directly react with boron powder without the need for any catalysts. This reaction, followed by rapid quenching in a downstream reactor, causes BN droplets to elongate into nanotubes. A qualitative physical model of this process is detailed in the paper by I. B. Matveev, "Quality Physical Model of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Formation in ICP/RF Plasma", published in IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 1649-1652, June 2022, available on IEEE Xplore. The latest comparative analysis of three BNNT production technologies is covered in I. Matveev’s recent publication, "Boron Nitride Nanotubes - Plasma Aided Technologies, Equipment, and Market Preprint". Watch a video tour of our facility to see the BNNT formation process in action.
For those interested in modeling aspects, further insights can be found in the paper by I. B. Matveev et al., "Investigation of the Boron Particles Behavior in ICP/RF Plasma", published in IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, vol. 45, no. 12, pp. 3105-3109, Dec. 2017. Alternative plasma-based technologies are more complex, often utilizing a mixture of nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen as plasma gases with BN as the feedstock. Our journey began in 2012 with the commissioning of the first radio-frequency (RF) system for operation on pure nitrogen at 5 bar pressure at UC Berkeley, the inventor of the process. Since then, several RF systems have been sold to U.S. startups. Currently, the most advanced DBN process, operating at 1 bar pressure, is based on our APT-110/125 plasma torch system, offering a continuous production capacity of up to 100 grams per hour—the highest known productivity for BNNT. The image above shows the BNNT production module in Unit #1 of our Testing Building. Today, APT offers BNNT modules with nearly double the yield, based on the APT-250 plasma torch system. We are also exploring the establishment of the world’s first cluster for industrial-scale production of this unique material. For more details, feel free to contact us. Originally developed for BNNT synthesis, these modules are versatile and can be adapted for various processes, including surface modification of powders (Al-based alloys, Ti-based alloys, Cu-based alloys, carbon black, etc.), powder purification (quartz), production of ultra-high temperature ceramics (Si₃N₄), carbon nanotubes, and other emerging materials. Check out our latest presentation on reinforcing aluminum with BNNT here. © 2024 Applied Plasma Technologies, Corp. Home | About Us | Products | News | Events | Non-Profit | Contact Us | Visit Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use |
