Methods and apparatuses for making nanomaterials in space

A method of making nanomaterials in outer space, said method comprising:

• a) introducing at least two materials into a combustion chamber of an apparatus that is located beyond the Earth's atmosphere, wherein when the materials are in said combustion chamber, they are at a first pressure and a first temperature, said apparatus having a throat having a reduced size opening, said throat being downstream from said combustion chamber, wherein said apparatus further comprises a reduced pressure and temperature zone downstream from said throat, said zone having an exit, wherein at least one of said materials comprises a primary source material for the nanomaterials to be formed;
• b) passing said materials into said throat;
• c) passing said materials into said reduced pressure and temperature zone, wherein the temperature in said reduced temperature zone is less than said first temperature, and wherein said materials expand at a lower pressure than said first pressure;
• d) forming nanomaterials in said apparatus;
• and
• e) collecting said nanomaterials at the exit from said zone.

A method of making nanomaterials in outer space, said method comprising:

• a) introducing at least two materials into a chamber of an apparatus that is located beyond the Earth's atmosphere, wherein when the materials are in said chamber, they are at a first pressure and a first temperature, said apparatus having a throat having a reduced size opening, said throat being downstream from said chamber, wherein said apparatus further comprises a reduced pressure and temperature zone downstream from said throat, said zone having an exit, wherein at least one of said materials comprises a boron source material for the nanomaterials to be formed;
• b) passing said materials into said throat;
• c) passing said materials into said reduced pressure and temperature zone, wherein the temperature in said reduced temperature zone is less than said first temperature, and wherein said materials expand at a lower pressure than said first pressure;
• d) forming nanomaterials in said apparatus, wherein said nanomaterials comprise boron nitride compounds;
• and
• e) collecting said nanomaterials at the exit from said zone.