Abstract: A secondary battery capable of being charged after discharging is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode, made from a sheet of carbon nanotubes infiltrated with mixed metal oxides, and a negative electrode made from a sheet of carbon nanotubes with silicon or germanium particles.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: A nanostructured sheet that can include a substantially planar body, a plurality of nanotubes defining a matrix within the body, and a protonation agent that can be dispersed throughout the matrix of nanotubes for enhancing proximity of adjacent nanotubes to one another. A method of making such a nanostructured sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nanotube-based insulator is provided having thermal insulating properties. The insulator can include a plurality of nanotube sheets stacked on top of one another. Each nanotube sheet can be defined by a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotubes can be configured so as to decrease normal-to-plane thermal conductivity while permitting in-plane thermal conductivity. A plurality of spacers can be situated between adjacent nanotube sheets so as to reduce interlayer contact between the nanotubes in each sheet. The plurality of spacers can be ceramic or alumina dots or provided by texturing the nanotube sheets.

Abstract: The device for extracting heat from carbon nanotubes wires or cables used under high power applications is provided. The device can include a thermally conductive member for placement against a heat source and for directing heat away from the heat source to a heat dissipating medium. The device can further include an electrically conductive member positioned on the thermally conductive member and made from a layer of carbon nanotubes, to reduce electrical resistance along the electrically conductive member. A geometric pattern can be imparted to the electrically conductive member to enhance dissipation of heat away from the thermally conductive member and the heat source.

Abstract: A system is provided that can be utilized to generate nanotubes with substantially similar chirality. The system provides a resonant frequency, keyed to a desired radial breathing mode linked to the desired chirality, that causes a template of catalysts particles or nanotubes to oscillate at the provided resonant frequency, so as to stimulate growing nanotubes to oscillate at a corresponding resonant frequency. This resonant frequency can be a result of a high frequency field or the natural heat radiation generated by the system.

Abstract: A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system include a housing coupled to a synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced. A spindle may extend from within the housing, across the inlet, and into the chamber for collecting nanotubes and twisting them into a yarn. A body portion may be positioned at an intake end of the spindle. The body portion may include a pathway for imparting a twisting force onto the flow of nanotubes and guide them into the spindle for collection and twisting into the nanofibrous yarn. Methods and apparatuses for forming nanofibrous are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided that can be utilized to generate nanotubes with substantially similar chirality. The system provides a resonant frequency, keyed to a desired radial breathing mode linked to the desired chirality, that causes a template of catalysts particles or nanotubes to oscillate at the provided resonant frequency, so as to stimulate growing nanotubes to oscillate at a corresponding resonant frequency. This resonant frequency can be a result of a high frequency field or the natural heat radiation generated by the system.

Abstract: A heat-conducting medium for placement between a heat source and heat sink to facilitate transfer of heat from the source to the sink is provided. The heat-conducting medium can include a disk having relatively high thermal conductivity and heat spreading characteristics. The heat-conducting medium also includes a first recessed surface and an opposing second recessed surface. Extending from within each recessed surface is an array of heat conducting bristles to provide a plurality of contact points to the heat source and heat sink to aid in the transfer of heat. The recessed surfaces may be defined by a rim positioned circumferentially about the disk. The presence of the rim about each recessed surface acts to minimize the amount of pressure that may be exerted by the heat sink and the heat source against the bristles. A method for manufacturing the heat-conducting medium is also provided.

Abstract: A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided.

Abstract: A heat-conducting medium for placement between a heat source and heat sink to facilitate transfer of heat from the source to the sink is provided. The heat-conducting medium can include a flexible member made from an array of interweaving carbon nanotubes. The heat-conducting medium may also include an upper surface against which a heat source may be placed, an opposing lower surface and edges about the member designed for coupling to a heat sink toward which heat from the heat source can be directed. The heat-conducting medium may also include a pad placed on the upper surface to provide structural support to the member. A method for manufacturing the heat-conducting medium is also provided.

Abstract: Hybrid conductors capable of achieving enhanced conductivity and current capacity over a wide range of frequencies are disclosed. The hybrid conductors may be used in electrical or thermal applications, or combinations of both. One method of fabricating such hybrid conductors includes complexing conductive metal elements (e.g., silver, gold, copper), transition metal elements, alloys, wires, or combinations thereof, with carbon nanotube materials. In the alternative, the hybrid conductors may be formed by doping the carbon nanotube materials in salt solutions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon composite is provided. The method includes providing a carbon-containing resin material to which an appropriate concentration of catalyst particles may be added. Thereafter, the catalyzed resin may be subject to a high temperature range, at which point carbon in the resin to begins to couple to the catalyst particles. Continual exposure to high temperature leads to additional attachment of carbon to existing carbon on the particles. Subsequently growth, within the resin material, of an array of carbon nanotubes occurs, as well as the formation of the composite material.

Abstract: An antenna for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic radiation is provided. The antenna includes a body portion, which can be flexible to permit incorporation of the antenna into a material. The antenna also includes an aggregate of extended length nanotubes along the body portion, and a plurality of contact points between adjacent nanotubes to permit transmission of electromagnetic radiation, while reducing resistivity along the antenna at a high frequency, for example, above 100 MHz. A method of manufacturing an antenna is also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon composite is provided. The method includes providing a carbon-containing resin material to which an appropriate concentration of catalyst particles may be added. Thereafter, the catalyzed resin may be subject to a high temperature range, at which point carbon in the resin to begins to couple to the catalyst particles. Continual exposure to high temperature leads to additional attachment of carbon to existing carbon on the particles. Subsequently growth, within the resin material, of an array of carbon nanotubes occurs, as well as the formation of the composite material.

Abstract: A cable having a conducting member made from a nanostructure-based material, and a shielding layer made of nanostructure-based material. The shielding layer can be circumferentially situated about the conducting member so as to enhance conductivity along the conducting member. A coupling mechanism may be situated between the shielding layer and the conducting member so as to secure the shielding layer in its position on the conducting member. A method of making the cable is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heating device having a thermally conducting member made from a matrix of carbon nanotubes and having opposing ends. A connector portion can be positioned at each end of the conducting member, and can be capable of receiving a current from an external source to permit the conducting member to generate heat. A coupling mechanism can be included and associated with the connector portion so as to provide the connector portion with substantially uniform contact across a contact surface area with the conducting member. Methods of using the heating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostructures is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having one end in fluid communication with the reactor and defining a pathway along which a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostructures can be injected into the reactor. The apparatus also has a tube in fluid communication with an opposite of the chamber to impart a venturi effect in order to generate from the fluid mixture small droplets prior to introducing the fluid mixture into the chamber. A heating zone is situated downstream from the tube to provide a temperature range sufficient to permit the formation, from components within the fluid mixture, of catalyst particles upon which nanostructures can be generated. A mechanism is further provided at a distal end of the chamber to minimize turbulent flow as the fluid mixture exits the chamber, and to impart a substantially laminar flow thereto. A method for synthesis of nanostructures is also provided.