Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising carbon nanotubes fused together to form a three-dimensional structure. Methods of making the nanostructured material are also disclosed. Such methods include a batch type process, as well as multi-step recycling methods or continuous single-step methods. A wide range of articles made from the nanostructured material, including fabrics, ballistic mitigation materials, structural supports, mechanical actuators, heat sink, thermal conductor, and membranes for fluid purification is also disclosed.