Rice University scientists have uncovered a new way to make high-purity boron nitride nanotubes – hollow cylindrical structures that can withstand temperatures of up to 900°C (1,652°F) while also being stronger than steel by weight. The scientists figured out how to get rid of hard-to-remove impurities in boron nitride nanotubes using phosphoric acid and fine-tuning the reaction. "The challenge is that during the synthesis of the material, in addition to tubes, we end up with a lot of extra stuff," said Kevin Shumard, lead author on the study. "As scientists, we want to work with the purest material we can, so that we limit variables as we experiment."
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