Kim, Young-Kyeong Lim, Ik Jae Lim, Hongjin Joo, Yongbi Park, Jueun Hossain, Md Monir Cho, Hyunjin You, Nam-Ho Ahn, Seokhoon Lee, Hunsu Lee, Sang Seok Joo, Yongho Moon, Se Youn Yoo, Hee Il Lum, Calista Park, Cheol Choi, Siyoung Q. Jang, Se Gyu 2025-09-17T02:33:06Z 2025-09-17T02:33:06Z 2025-09-16 2025-12 1616-301X https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/153177 Despite significant technological advancements in space exploration, human space travel and colonization remain limited by the health risks associated with space radiation. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been proposed as an advanced material for space applications due to their high specific strength and efficient radiation shielding capabilities. However, the practical implementation of BNNTs has been slow, primarily due to technological challenges in fabricating structural materials incorporating BNNTs. In this study, a method is presented for fabricating high-density BNNT films that are mechanically robust, exhibit high thermal conductivity, and effectively attenuate space radiation. The key advancement enabling high-density BNNT films is the successful preparation of BNNT liquid crystals (LCs), achieved through the strategic use of a commercial dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid surfactant. This surfactant ensures exceptional BNNT stability in aqueous dispersion, even at concentrations exceeding the LC phase transition threshold. Simulations, estimating the equivalent radiation dose to the human body in space, indicate that a high-density BNNT film with a surface density of 50 g cm−2 reduces the total dose equivalent rate by 56% compared to zero shielding. This enhancement would allow astronauts to extend their mission duration on the lunar surface by a factor of two. English John Wiley & Sons Ltd. High-Density Boron Nitride Nanotube Composites via Surfactant-Stabilized Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for Enhanced Space Radiation Shielding Article 10.1002/adfm.202510716 1 Advanced Functional Materials, v.35, no.52 Advanced Functional Materials 35 52 Y scie scopus 001564935800001 Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Chemistry, Physical Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Physics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter Chemistry Science & Technology - Other Topics Materials Science Physics Article EXPLORATION DISPERSION NANOMATERIALS ORGANIZATION ADSORPTION PROTECTION HYDROGEN SODIUM DODECYL-SULFATE CARBON NANOTUBES surfactant boron nitride nanotubes liquid crystals neutron shielding space radiation