Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a volume of substantially all armchair nanotubes of a preselected chirality for fabricating yarn consisting of substantially all metallic conducting armchair tubes. The systems and methods can be used for the synthesis of (10,10), (11,11), and (12,12) metallic armchair carbon nanotubes and potentially other chiralities. The elements of the present disclosure include: (i) a carbon source that provides substantial numbers of ethylene and acetylene radicals in combination with a high population of ethylene groups and a small amount of methane, (ii) a hydrogen to carbon ratio sufficient to “passivate” all other chiral growth sites to a higher degree than armchair growth sites, and (iii) a CVD process that can be tuned to create a well-controlled population of catalyst with tight diameter distribution with sparse modal distribution that falls within a range of the desired single wall diameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing boron nitride nanotubes and continuous boron nitride nanotube yarn or tapes is provided. The apparatus includes rotating reaction tubes that allow for continuous chemical vapor deposition of boron nitride nanotubes. The rotation of the reaction tubes allows the boron nitride nanotubes to be spun into yarns or made into tapes, without post process or external rotation or spinning of the gathered nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotube yarns or tapes of great length can be produced as a result, thereby providing industry with a readily useable format for this type of material. Dopants such as carbon can be added to engineer the band gap of the nanotubes. Catalysts may be formed outside or inside the reactor.

Abstract: A fabric containing nanotubes which is impervious to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; which is self-sterilizing and reusable; and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The fabric can be used to construct facemasks, gloves, protective suits, protective habitats, continuous air filtration/sterilization systems or any other type of protective clothing or structure. The fabric may have integrated temperature monitoring sensors. The fabric may be made into patches which may be integrated into existing articles of clothing. When connected to an electrical power source, either via built-in electrical connections or by induction, the active layer which is one of the components of the fabric will heat to a temperature high enough to eliminate potential biological contamination from viruses, bacteria and other microbial threats. Combining the CNT active layer with an insulating layer will allow a garment to be continuously worn or used without needing removal during multiple sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided.

Abstract: A fabric containing nanotubes which is impervious to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; which is self-sterilizing and reusable; and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The fabric can be used to construct facemasks, gloves, protective suits, protective habitats, continuous air filtration/sterilization systems or any other type of protective clothing or structure. The fabric may have integrated temperature monitoring sensors. The fabric may be made into patches which may be integrated into existing articles of clothing. When connected to an electrical power source, either via built-in electrical connections or by induction, the active layer which is one of the components of the fabric will heat to a temperature high enough to eliminate potential biological contamination from viruses, bacteria and other microbial threats. Combining the CNT active layer with an insulating layer will allow a garment to be continuously worn or used without needing removal during multiple sterilization cycles.

Abstract: Techniques and methods are disclosed for producing a plurality of nanoparticles that can be used as catalysts to grow carbon or boron nitride nanotubes. The method includes mixing an iron salt including a ferrous or ferric ion with a long chain amine, thiol or polyphenol in a solvent comprising alcohol to produce a solution. Ferric or ferrous ion is reduced to zero valence iron. Nucleation of iron nanoparticles is initialized. The iron nanoparticles are capped to retard nanoparticle growth. The nanoparticles include an elemental iron core coated with a polyphenol that isolates the core from oxygen. The nanoparticles include an average diameter of less than or equal to 15.8 nanometers. The iron core may further include a secondary metal to form an iron-alloy. The secondary metal, in some applications, can be a transition metal.

Abstract: Solar cells fabricated from p-n junctions of boron nitride nanotubes alloyed with carbon are described. Band gaps of boron nitride carbon alloys are tailored by controlling carbon content in the boron nitride nanotubes. High efficiency solar cells can be fabricated by tailoring the band gap of boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes, and using these nanotubes for fabricating solar cells u. Because boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes are transparent to most wavelengths of light, the wavelengths not converted to electrons (i.e., absorbed) at a first p-n junction in a solar cell will pass through the stack to another p-n junction in the stack having a different band gap. At each successive p-n junction, each of which has a different band gap from the other p-n junctions in the stack, more wavelengths of light will be converted into electricity. This dramatically increases the efficiency of solar cells.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite comprising nanotubes; a method of producing the same; and a composition, for example a metal alloy, used in such composites and methods, are disclosed. A method for continuously infiltrating nanotube yarns, tapes or other nanotube preforms with metal alloys using a continuous process or a multistep process, which results in a metal matrix composite wire, cable, tape, sheet, tube, or other continuous shape, and the microstructure of these infiltrated yarns or fibers, are disclosed. The nanotube yarns comprise a multiplicity of spun nanotubes of carbon (CNT), boron nitride (BNNT), boron (BNT), or other types of nanotubes. The element that infiltrates the nanotube yarns or fibers can, for example, be alloyed with a concentration of one or more elements chosen such that the resulting alloy, in its molten state, will exhibit improved wetting of the nanotube material.

Abstract: Fiber emitters, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns, are used to create infrared (IR) transmitters that can operate at high data rates, can shift spectral response, and can emit polarized light, for example by alignment of the fiber emitters in close proximity and in parallel directions. These fiber emitters can, for example, be used in patches that can be bonded to fabric or to an object, or can be woven into fabric during fabrication of a textile. The fiber emitters can be used in a variety of methods, including for friend or foe identification, communications, and identification of objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a volume of substantially all armchair nanotubes of a preselected chirality for fabricating yarn consisting of substantially all metallic conducting armchair tubes. The systems and methods can be used for the synthesis of (10,10), (11,11), and (12,12) metallic armchair carbon nanotubes and potentially other chiralities. The elements of the present disclosure include: (i) a carbon source that provides substantial numbers of ethylene and acetylene radicals in combination with a high population of ethylene groups and a small amount of methane, (ii) a hydrogen to carbon ratio sufficient to “passivate” all other chiral growth sites to a higher degree than armchair growth sites, and (iii) a CVD process that can be tuned to create a well-controlled population of catalyst with tight diameter distribution with sparse modal distribution that falls within a range of the desired single wall diameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing boron nitride nanotubes and continuous boron nitride nanotube yarn or tapes is provided. The apparatus includes rotating reaction tubes that allow for continuous chemical vapor deposition of boron nitride nanotubes. The rotation of the reaction tubes allows the boron nitride nanotubes to be spun into yarns or made into tapes, without post process or external rotation or spinning of the gathered nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotube yarns or tapes of great length can be produced as a result, thereby providing industry with a readily useable format for this type of material. Dopants such as carbon can be added to engineer the band gap of the nanotubes. Catalysts may be formed outside or inside the reactor.

Abstract: Solar cells fabricated from p-n junctions of boron nitride nanotubes alloyed with carbon are described. Band gaps of boron nitride carbon alloys are tailored by controlling carbon content in the boron nitride nanotubes. High efficiency solar cells can be fabricated by tailoring the band gap of boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes, and using these nanotubes for fabricating solar cells u. Because boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes are transparent to most wavelengths of light, the wavelengths not converted to electrons (i.e., absorbed) at a first p-n junction in a solar cell will pass through the stack to another p-n junction in the stack having a different band gap. At each successive p-n junction, each of which has a different band gap from the other p-n junctions in the stack, more wavelengths of light will be converted into electricity. This dramatically increases the efficiency of solar cells.

Abstract: An apparatus having a conductive body defined by a plurality of nanotubes forming a planar structure. The apparatus further includes a plurality of junctions, formed by adjacent nanotubes, and a plurality of conductive deposits positioned at the junctions to electrically join the adjacent nanotubes at the junctions and reduce electrical resistance between the nanotubes, thereby increasing overall conductivity of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus having a conductive body defined by a plurality of nanotubes forming a planar structure. The apparatus further includes a plurality of junctions, formed by adjacent nanotubes, and a plurality of conductive deposits positioned at the junctions to electrically join the adjacent nanotubes at the junctions and reduce electrical resistance between the nanotubes, thereby increasing overall conductivity of the body.

Abstract: Fiber emitters, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns, are used to create infrared (IR) transmitters that can operate at high data rates, can shift spectral response, and can emit polarized light, for example by alignment of the fiber emitters in close proximity and in parallel directions. These fiber emitters can, for example, be used in patches that can be bonded to fabric or to an object, or can be woven into fabric during fabrication of a textile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing boron nitride nanotubes and continuous boron nitride nanotube yarn or tapes is provided. The apparatus includes rotating reaction tubes that allow for continuous chemical vapor deposition of boron nitride nanotubes. The rotation of the reaction tubes allows the boron nitride nanotubes to be spun into yarns or made into tapes, without post process or external rotation or spinning of the gathered nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotube yarns or tapes of great length can be produced as a result, thereby providing industry with a readily useable format for this type of material. Dopants such as carbon can be added to engineer the band gap of the nanotubes. Catalysts may be formed outside or inside the reactor.

Abstract: A thermal protection material is provided. The material includes a non-woven nanotube sheet, a substrate material adjacent to the non-woven nanotube sheet, and an adhesive material positioned between the non-woven sheet and the substrate material. The thermal protection material can further include a coating that can enhance strength and oxidation protection. An apparatus for collecting the non-woven nanotube sheet and method for manufacturing the thermal protection material are also provided.

Abstract: A nanotube-based insulator is provided having thermal insulating properties. The insulator can include a plurality of nanotube sheets stacked on top of one another. Each nanotube sheet can be defined by a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotubes can be configured so as to decrease normal-to-plane thermal conductivity while permitting in-plane thermal conductivity. A plurality of spacers can be situated between adjacent nanotube sheets so as to reduce interlayer contact between the nanotubes in each sheet. The plurality of spacers can be ceramic or alumina dots or provided by texturing the nanotube sheets.

Abstract: A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system include a housing coupled to a synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced. A spindle may extend from within the housing, across the inlet, and into the chamber for collecting nanotubes and twisting them into a yarn. A body portion may be positioned at an intake end of the spindle. The body portion may include a pathway for imparting a twisting force onto the flow of nanotubes and guide them into the spindle for collection and twisting into the nanofibrous yarn. Methods and apparatuses for forming nanofibrous are also disclosed.

Abstract: Solar cells fabricated from p-n junctions of boron nitride nanotubes alloyed with carbon are described. Band gaps of boron nitride carbon alloys are tailored by controlling carbon content in the boron nitride nanotubes. High efficiency solar cells can be fabricated by tailoring the band gap of boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes, and using these nanotubes for fabricating solar cells u. Because boron nitride carbon alloy nanotubes are transparent to most wavelengths of light, the wavelengths not converted to electrons (i.e., absorbed) at a first p-n junction in a solar cell will pass through the stack to another p-n junction in the stack having a different band gap. At each successive p-n junction, each of which has a different band gap from the other p-n junctions in the stack, more wavelengths of light will be converted into electricity. This dramatically increases the efficiency of solar cells.