Abstract: A method of making a secondary, lithium-ion cell having a carbon anode including the step of deactivating the carbon anode by heating the carbon in the presence of oxygen for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient to selectively oxidize undesirable, highly reactive carbon atoms therefrom prior to assembling the cell, and a stochiometrically balanced cell made from such deactivated carbon.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an inorganic fiber having a diameter between about 1 and 10 microns is formed by chemical vapor deposition of inorganic material, such as boron, onto a carbon filament having a diameter less than about 50 nanometers.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for forming carbon fibers in a gas phase reaction is disclosed wherein a reactor defines a reaction chamber with a closed end and an outlet and a reactant feed tube which extends generally axially therewithin. Gaseous reactants are injected into the reactor through an opening of the feed tube. The feed tube and chamber are constructed and arranged to define a passageway which is a gas flow path. The reactor includes purge means for intermittently and forcibly moving any fibers clogging the passageway out of the reactor, and means for intermittently oxidizing carbonaceous material in the passageway of the reactor. In use, a period of fiber formation is followed by a forced purge. Periodically, an oxidation purge is used to essentially cleanse the reactor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for forming carbon fibers in a gas phase reaction is disclosed wherein a reactor defines a reaction chamber with a closed end and an outlet, and a reactant feed tube which extends generally axially therewithin. Gaseous reactants are injected into the reactor through an opening of the feed tube. Preferred reactants include methane, natural gas, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and an iron-containing compound dispersed in a carrier gas. The apparatus includes purge means for intermittently and forcibly moving any fibers clogging the reactor out of the reactor; and means for intermittently oxidizing carbonaceous material in the reactor. In use, a period of fiber formation is followed by one or more purge steps to essentially cleanse the reactor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for forming carbon fibers in a continuous gas phase reaction is disclosed wherein a reactor defines a vertical reaction chamber with a close upper end and a lower outlet, with a vertical reactant feed tube which extends generally axially therewithin. Gaseous reactants are injected into the reactor through an opening of the feed tube. The feed tube and chamber are constructed and arranged to define a gas flow path which extends generally axially upward through the feed tube into the chamber and thereafter generally axially downward through the chamber. Preferably, the tube and reactor chamber are radially spaced and concentric. The feed tube may encompasss a capillary tube which supplies a vaporizable liquid reactant. The reactor and feed tube are each elongate and of a material which is relatively resistent to heat and corrosion and are preferably of a mullite material. The feed tube extends more than one-half of the axial length of the reactor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, graphite fibers are grown on a suitably nucleated ceramic surface by passing a methane gas stream over the surface at an elevated temperature. Initially, the methane concentration in the gas stream is adjusted to between 5 and 15 volume percent to form microscopic carbon filaments. Thereafter, the methane concentration is increased to above 25 volume percent to thicken the filaments into fibers.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, graphite fibers are grown by natural gas pyrolysis on an iron-base metal surface initially bearing a relatively thick oxide.

Abstract: Graphite fibers are preferably grown by natural gas pyrolysis adjacent a stainless steel surface. Prior to said natural gas pyrolysis, the surface is pretreated by evaporating a ferric nitrate solution to increase the yield of product fibers.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, graphite fibers that are 5 to 15 microns in diameter and up to several centimeters long are grown within a thin-walled stainless steel tube by flowing natural gas through the tube, concurrently contacting the outer tube surface with wet hydrogen gas and heating to between 925.degree. C. to 1075.degree. C. to decompose methane in the natural gas to grow fibers on the inner surface of the tube.