Chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities

Very strong, light materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures could usher in next-generation spacecraft, enhance current devices or enable the development of new biomedical imaging or hydrogen storage applications. To this end, Rice University scientists in the lab of Angel Martí have uncovered a new way to make high-purity boron nitride nanotubes, hollow cylindrical structures that can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius (~1652 Fahrenheit) while also being stronger than steel by weight.