Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing carbon nanotubes or other carbon nanostructures, e.g. cones. The process comprising evaporating/decomposing a carbon containing material in a voluminous thermal plasma generated by rotating an electric arc using an externally applied magnetic field, and condensing said evaporated/decomposed carbon containing material on surfaces or on particles in a gas flow. A reactor for performing the process is also described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing carbon nanotubes or other carbon nanostructures, e.g. cones. The process comprising evaporating/decomposing a carbon containing material in a voluminous thermal plasma generated by rotating an electric arc using an externally applied magnetic field, and condensing said evaporated/decomposed carbon containing material on surfaces or on particles in a gas flow. A reactor for performing the process is also described.

Abstract: A method is described for a thermal treatment of materials that can be pumped or blown, particularly for the pyrolysis of waste materials, An electric arc is established in a gap between a pair of concentric electrodes, and the material to be treated is pumped or blown into the gap and through the electric arc to effect the thermal treatment. The product of the thermal treatment is forced to pass through a high temperature smelt. The method can be carried out utilizing a sealed receptacle (11) equipped with an electrode tube (15) having a material supply at one end and an open end directed towards or located in the smelt. A sleeve or other wall means can be placed in the receptacle near the electrode tube to create circulation and spread the decomposition products in the smelt.