Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by the catalytic decomposition of both carbon monoxide and ethylene over a supported metal catalyst known to produce larger multi-walled nanotubes. Under certain conditions, there is no termination of nanotube growth, and production appears to be limited only by the diffusion of reactant gas through the product nanotube mat that covers the catalyst. The present invention concerns a catalyst-substrate system which promotes the growth of nanotubes that are predominantly single-walled tubes in a specific size range, rather than the large irregular-sized multi-walled carbon fibrils that are known to grow from supported catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to carbon fiber produced from single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) molecular arrays. In one embodiment, the carbon fiber which comprises an aggregation of substantially parallel carbon nanotubes comprises more than one molecular array. Another embodiment of this invention is a large cable-like structure with enhanced tensile properties comprising a number of smaller separate arrays. In another embodiment, a composite structure is disclosed in which a central core array of metallic SWNTs is surrounded by a series of smaller circular non-metallic SWNT arrays.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the mass production of carbon nanotubes and particularly a process for selectively producing multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to forming an array of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, a homogeneous population of SWNT molecules is used to produce a substantially two-dimensional array made up of single-walled nanotubes aggregated in substantially parallel orientation to form a monolayer extending in directions substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the individual nanotubes. Using SWNT molecules of the same type and structure provides a homogeneous array. By using different SWNT molecules, either a random or ordered heterogeneous structure can be produced by employing successive reactions after removal of previously masked areas of a substrate. Tn one embodiment, SWNT molecules may be linked to a substrate through a linker moiety such as —S—, —S—(CH2)n,-NH-, SiO3(CH2)3NH- or the like.

Abstract: The gas storage method comprises a step of keeping a gas to be stored and an adsorbent in a vessel at a low temperature below the liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored so that the gas to be stored is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state, a step of introducing into the vessel kept at the low temperature a gaseous or liquid medium with a freezing temperature that is higher than the above-mentioned liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored, for freezing of the medium, so that the gas to be stored which has been adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state is encapsulated by the medium which has been frozen, and a step of keeping the vessel at a temperature higher than the liquefaction temperature and below the freezing temperature.

Abstract: An electrically conductive film is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the film includes a plurality of single-walled nanotubes having a particular diameter. The disclosed film demonstrates excellent conductivity and transparency. Methods of preparing the film as well as methods of its use are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel process for the preparation of carbon based structured materials with controlled topology, morphology and functionality. The nanostructured materials are prepared by controlled carbonization, or pyrolysis, of precursors comprising phase separated copolymers. The precursor materials are selected to phase separate and self organize in bulk, in solution, in the presence of phase selective solvents, at surfaces, interfaces or during fabrication, into articles, fibers or films exhibiting well-defined, self-organized morphology or precursors of well-defined, self-organized, bi- or tri-phasic morphology. Compositional control over the (co)polymers provides control over the structure of the phase separated precursor whose organization therein dictates the nanostructure of the material obtained after carbonization or pyrolysis, wherein each dimension of the formed structure can be predetermined.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an alkali scrubbing solution, and removing any alkali aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized mercury and removing it in the scrubbing solution and wet electrostatic precipitator. Alkali sulfates, which are valuable fertilizers, can be withdrawn from the rubbing solution.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cutting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the present invention provides for preparations of homogemeous populations of short carbon nanotube molecules by cutting and annealing (reclosing) the nanotube pieces followed by fractionation. The cutting and annealing processes may be carried out on a purified nanotube bucky paper, on felts prior to purification of nanotubes or on any material that contains single-wall nanotubes. In one embodiment, oxidative etching with concentrated nitric acid is employed to cut SWNTs into shorter lengths. The annealed nanotubes may be disbursed in an aqueous detergent solution or an organic solvent for the fractionation. Closed tubes can also be derivatized to facilitate fractionation, for example, by adding solubilizing moieties to the end caps.

Abstract: Macroscopically manipulable nanoscale devices made from nanotube assemblies are disclosed. The article of manufacture comprises a macroscopic mounting element capable of being manipulated or observed in a macroscale environment, and a nanoscale nanotube assembly attached to the mounting element. The article permits macroscale information to be provided to or obtained from a nanoscale environment. A method for making a macroscopically manipulable nanoscale devices comprises the steps of (1) providing a nanotube-containing material; (2) preparing a nanotube assembly device having at least one carbon nanotube for attachment; and (3) attaching said nanotube assembly to a surface of a mounting element.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, alkali hydroxide or carbonate scrubbing solution, regenerating the scrubbing solution with limestone, and removing any particulate matter and aerosols generated by the scrubbing step in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized Hg and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is preferably regenerated with limestone or magnesium, and results in a Group II sulfite or sulfate that can be recovered and sold, or landfilled.

Abstract: A carbon fiber having catalytic metal supported thereon according to the present invention is a carbon fiber in which a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers is exposed at an outer surface or inner surface of the carbon fiber. Catalytic metal is supported on the exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers. The edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are further exposed by removing a deposited layer formed on the outer surface or inner surface of the carbon fiber. The exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have an extremely high activity and are suitable as a support for catalytic metal.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a long carbon nanotube yarn includes the following steps: (1) providing a flat and smooth substrate; (2) depositing a catalyst on the substrate; (3) positioning the substrate with the catalyst in a furnace; (4) heating the furnace to a predetermined temperature; (5) supplying a mixture of carbon containing gas and protecting gas into the furnace; (6) controlling a difference between the local temperature of the catalyst and the furnace temperature to be at least 50° C.; (7) controlling the partial pressure of the carbon containing gas to be less than 0.2; (8) growing a number of carbon nanotubes on the substrate such that a carbon nanotube array is formed on the substrate; and (9) drawing out a bundle of carbon nanotubes from the carbon nanotube array such that a carbon nanotube yarn is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production, by fluid-bed spray granulation, of granular sodium percarbonate having a low TAM value. According to the invention, in the fluid-bed spray granulation, an Mg compound in a quantity of 50 to 2,000 ppm, in particular 100 to 1,000 ppm, or/and a complexing agent from among the hydroxycarboxylic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, aminophosphonic acids and phosphonocarboxylic acids, hydroxyphosphonic acids and their alkali metal salts, ammonium salts or Mg salts, in a quantity of 50 to 2,000 ppm, in particular 200 to 1,000 ppm, are added as stabilisers to the soda solution and/or H2O2 solution. Preferably a combination of an Mg compound in a quantity of 100 to 1,000 ppm Mg2+ and waterglass in a quantity of 0.1 to 1 wt. %, in particular 0.1 to 0.5 wt. %, is used, and in this case granules having a TAM value of about or below 6 ?W/g and simultaneously a short dissolving time, are obtainable.

Abstract: A liquid reactant metal alloy includes at least one chemically active metal for reacting with non-radioactive material in a mixed waste stream being treated. The reactant alloy also includes at least one radiation absorbing metal. Radioactive isotopes in the waste stream alloy with, or disperse in, the chemically active and radiation absorbing metals such that the radiation absorbing metals are able to absorb a significant portion of the radioactive emissions associated with the isotopes. Non-radioactive constituents in the waste material are broken down into harmless and useful constituents, leaving the alloyed radioactive isotopes in the liquid reactant alloy. The reactant alloy may then be cooled to form one or more ingots in which the radioactive isotopes are effectively isolated and surrounded by the radiation absorbing metals. These ingots comprise the storage products for the radioactive isotopes. The ingots may be encapsulated in one or more layers of radiation absorbing material and then stored.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the preparation of surface modified hydrotalcite. The process comprises reacting a precursor of magnesium and aluminium in the presence of suitable alkali carbonate at high temperature. The product has a BET surface area of ?20 m2/gm and average particle size of ?0.5 ?m and is useful as halogen scavenger and fire retardant.

Abstract: A carbon fiber product according to the present invention is a carbon fiber product in which one to several hundreds of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a bottomless cup are stacked. Edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of an outer surface or inner surface. The exposed part of the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have a high degree of activity and excel in adhesion to base materials such as resins. Therefore, this carbon fiber product is suitable as a material for composites.

Abstract: In an expanded carbon fiber product according to the present invention, a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers is exposed at an outer surface or inner surface of the expanded carbon fiber product. At least part of gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers is larger than the gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers at the time of vapor growth.

Abstract: A carbon fiber for a field electron emitter has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, each of which includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end and a small ring end at opposite ends in the axial direction. The edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of the large ring ends. Since all the exposed edges function as electron emission tips, a large amount of emission current can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for recovering sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals from solutions and mother liquors supersaturated in sodium bicarbonate concentration. Feed liquors containing higher levels of sodium bicarbonate than traditionally fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer are used to create a mother liquor within a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer that is supersaturated with respect to sodium bicarbonate. Substantially pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals may be precipitated from the supersaturated mother liquor without substantially precipitation of sodium bicarbonate containing crystals.