A modified boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) comprising pendant hydroxyl (OH) and amino (NH.sub.2) functional groups covalently bonded to a surface of the BNNT. Aqueous and organic solutions of these modified BNNTs are disclosed, along with methods of producing the same. The modified BNNTs and their solutions can be used to coat substrates and to make nanocomposites.

Disclosed are a superhydrophobic coating with abrasion resistance and a preparation method thereof. The coating has a composite structure formed by a nanohybrid composed of nano-SiO.sub.2 and multi-wallet carbon nanotubes, and a resin as a matrix.

The present invention is directed to methods of transferring urea from an aqueous solution comprising urea to a MXene composition, the method comprising contacting the aqueous solution comprising urea with the MXene composition for a time sufficient to form an intercalated MXene composition comprising urea.

Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.

Methods of preparing dispersions of carbon-based materials are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises exposing the carbon-based material to an atmosphere comprising between about 0.5% v/v and about 5.0% v/v of oxygen for a selected time at an oxidation temperature to obtain a thermally oxidized material; and dispersing the thermally oxidized material in a liquid medium.

Methods are disclosed for manufacturing carbon rods from lignin scrap and for using such lignin-derived carbon rods for manufacturing carbon nanotubes in an arc discharge process.

One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method for activation/enhancement of cell growth of a plant. The method also stimulates the production of pharmaceutically active metabolites, including alkaloids, in plant cell cultures. The method includes providing a nano-sized material contained agent, and treating the plant with the nano-sized material contained agent to allow sufficient interaction of cells of the plant with the nano-sized material so as to activate/enhance the cell growth of the plant or to stimulate the production of pharmaceutically active metabolites.

An example compound according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other possible things, a nanotube carrier, a moiety, a linker having first and second functional groups, wherein the first functional group is covalently linked to the nanotube carrier, and the second functional group is covalently linked to the moiety. An example method of making a nanotube compound according to the present disclosure is also disclosed.

The boron nitride nanomaterial of the present invention is a boron nitride nanomaterial comprising a boron nitride nanotube and a boron nitride nanosheet, and having a peak top of a Raman spectrum located at 1369 cm.sup.−1 or more.