Evaluation of Structural Changes and Dispersibility of Boron Nitride Nanotubes under Different Ultrasonication Conditions

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) are materials of significant interest in next-generation technological fields due to their outstanding physicochemical properties, including excellent chemical and thermal stability. However, for effective utilization, dispersion of BNNT is essential. Unfortunately, BNNT exhibit hydrophobic surfaces and strong van der Waals forces, making their dispersion challenging. Current dispersion methods include the addition of surfactants and surface functionalization, but these chemical treatments often damage BNNT and involve cumbersome processes. In this study, we dispersed BNNT in water under various tip ultrasonication conditions and identified conditions that do not affect BNNT using FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsequently, enhanced dispersibility was confirmed through turbidity measurements, and the solubility range in 15 different solvents was evaluated using the Hansen solubility parameter.