Abstract: A carbon nanotube material is exposed to ultraviolet rays, and a silicon-containing compound capable of modifying the surface of the carbon nanotube material in combination with the ultraviolet rays is supplied to thereby modify the surface of the carbon nanotube material.

Abstract: Provided are aligned carbon nanotubes for a fuel cell having a large surface area, a nanocomposite that includes the aligned carbon nanotubes loaded with highly dispersed nanoparticles of a metallic catalyst, methods of producing the carbon nanotubes and the nanocomposite, and a fuel cell including the nanocomposite. In the nanocomposite, nanoparticles of the metallic catalyst are uniformly distributed on external walls of the nanotubes. A fuel cell including the nanocomposite exhibits better performance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: preparing metal-containing-nanofibers which include nanofibers made of organic polymer and metal which possesses a catalytic function in forming carbon nanotubes; and forming carbon nanotubes which contain metal therein by using the nanofibers as a carbon source, wherein the carbon nanotubes are formed by putting the metal-containing-nanofibers into a heating vessel which has a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and by heating the metal-containing-nanofibers using heat which is generated by the heating vessel when electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating vessel.

Abstract: Single walled carbon nanotubes are produced in a novel apparatus by the laser-induced ablation of moving carbon target. The laser used is of high average power and ultra-fast pulsing. According to various preferred embodiments, the laser produces and output above about 50 watts/cm2 at a repetition rate above about 15 MHz and exhibits a pulse duration below about 10 picoseconds. The carbon, carbon/catalyst target and the laser beam are moved relative to one another and a focused flow of “side pumped”, preheated inert gas is introduced near the point of ablation to minimize or eliminate interference by the ablated plume by removal of the plume and introduction of new target area for incidence with the laser beam. When the target is moved relative to the laser beam, rotational or translational movement may be imparted thereto, but rotation of the target is preferred.

Abstract: A graphene oxide (GO) target is exposed to light having power sufficient to initiate a deoxygenation reaction of the GO target. The deoxygenation reaction of the GO target transforms the GO target to graphene.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to produce graphene and nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene without the use of reducing agents, and with the concomitant production of heat, are provided. The methods and apparatuses employ radiant energy to reduce (deoxygenate) graphite oxide (GO) to graphene, or to reduce a mixture of GO plus one or more metals to to produce nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene. Methods and systems to generate and utilize heat that is produced by irradiating GO, graphene and their metal and semiconductor nanocomposites with visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation, e.g. using sunlight, lasers, etc. are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for producing large size diamonds. The methods include using carbon containing gases and supplementary gases to form reaction zones that are suitable for diamonds to grow; controlling the temperatures that are suitable for diamonds to grow; and keeping the small size seeds in motion in the reaction zones to form large size diamonds. The method provides controlling the high temperature endurable small size seeds at suitable temperatures for diamonds to grow and keep them in motion in the reaction zones. The invention also provides systems that allow all the surfaces of the high temperature endurable small size seeds continually extend to form diamonds, then to form large size diamonds. The invention provides a large-scale, low cost production of large size diamonds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing pristine or non-oxidized nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are highly conductive. The method comprises: (a) providing a pristine graphitic material comprising at least a graphite crystallite having at least a graphene plane and an edge surface; (b) dispersing multiple particles of the pristine graphitic material in a liquid medium containing therein no surfactant to produce a suspension, wherein the multiple particles in the liquid have a concentration greater than 0.1 mg/mL and the liquid medium is characterized by having a surface tension that enables wetting of the liquid on a graphene plane exhibiting a contact angle less than 90 degrees; and (c) exposing the suspension to direct ultrasonication at a sufficient energy or intensity level for a sufficient length of time to produce the NGPs. Pristine NGPs can be used as a conductive additive in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays (e.g.

Abstract: A method of transferring electrons with a light energy conversion material is described. The material includes a silica porous material having silicon atoms chemically bonded with an organic group that is an electron donor in a skeleton thereof, and an electron acceptor disposed in at least one portion among a pore, the skeleton and the outer circumference of the porous material. The method includes absorbing light energy by the organic group and transferring electrons excited by the light energy to the electron acceptor.

Abstract: A method for sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for sorting CNTs of the present disclosure comprises providing to a surface of a substrate, the surface modified with a trans isomer of photo-isomerization-reactive diazo compound, a dispersion containing a mixture of conducting CNTs and semiconducting CNTs; removing CNTs which are not associated with the modified surface from the surface; and irradiating the modified surface to detach the CNTs associated with the modified surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating pillared graphene assembles alternate layers of graphene sheets and fullerenes to form a stable protostructure. Energy is added to the protostructure to break the carbon-carbon bonds at the fullerene-to-graphene attachment points of the protostructure and allow the bonds to reorganize and reform into a stable lower energy unitary pillared graphene nanostructure in which open nanotubes are conjoined between graphene sheets. The attachment points may be functionalized using tether molecules to aid in attachment, and add chemical energy to the system. The arrangement and attachment spacing of the fullerenes may be determined using spacer molecules or an electric potential.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a metal complex which contains at least one metal selected from a group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel and an organic compound: and forming carbon nanotubes which contain metal therein by using the organic compound as a carbon source, wherein the carbon nanotubes are formed by putting the metal complex into a heating vessel which has a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and by heating the metal complex using heat which is generated by the heating vessel when electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating vessel. As the metal complex used in a method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, nickel stearate or nickel benzoate can be named, for example. According to the method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture carbon nanotubes using an inexpensive heating device within a short time.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing at least one metal selected from a group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel and an organic compound: and forming carbon nanotubes by using the organic compound as a carbon source, wherein the metal and the organic compound are put into a heating vessel having a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and the organic compound is brought into contact with the metal in a state where the inside of the heating vessel is heated at a temperature of 600° C. to 900° C. by applying the electromagnetic energy to the heating vessel so as to form the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention provides, but is not limited to, methods for synthesizing graphene film from liquid hydrocarbons using deep ultraviolet light. Specifically, methods for synthesizing a graphene film from an alicyclic- or liquid aromatic-hydrocarbon are presented. Methods for forming a graphene film comprising a dopant are also presented.

Abstract: Nanostructured arrays having a metal catalyst (e.g., cobalt) are irradiated with light to initiate the an artificial photosynthetic reaction resulting in the formation of carbon-containing molecules, for example, long chained hydrocarbons or amino acids. A nanostructure having one or more structural elements having a high aspect ratio can formed over a substrate and are placed in contact with water and a carbon-containing source (e.g., carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, methane). When the nanostructure is exposed to light, the water and the carbon-containing source can react to form a molecule having at least two carbon atoms chained together. Structural elements may include a number of metal layers arranged in a patterned configuration so that, upon light irradiation, a greater amount of light energy is concentrated in close proximity to the region where the reaction is catalyzed than for the case without the patterned configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and apparatus for the production of fullerenes and other carbon-containing materials. In some aspects, the invention provides an arc chamber comprising a graphite element support, wherein the support comprises a rotatable frame adapted for moving each graphite element towards and away from an arc discharge position. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber for collecting carbon-containing materials produced in an arc chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises an inlet and a rotatable element arranged to direct the carbon-containing material to a wall of the collection chamber, wherein the sectional area occupied by the rotatable element increases with distance from the inlet. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber comprising means for isolating the collection chamber from an arc discharge apparatus and an inlet for the introduction of solvent into the collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is energy transfer on multisegmented nanowires via surface plasmon resonance excitation of visible light, such as solar energy, absorbed by metals sensitive to visible light and transferred to metals insensitive to visible light. The nanowires are prepared with controllable gap sizes between different segments by on-wire lithography (OWL).

Abstract: The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg /cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process. A fuel cell using as the carbon nanotubes for its electrode provides improved performance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of crosslinking carbon nanotubes to each other using microwave radiation, articles of manufacture produced by such methods, compositions produced by such methods, and applications for such compositions and articles of manufacture. The present invention is also directed toward methods of radiatively modifying composites and/or blends comprising carbon nanotubes with microwaves, and to the compositions produced by such methods. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a crosslinking process, wherein the carbon nanotubes serve as a conduit for thermally and photolytically crosslinking the host matrix with microwave radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to chemical reactions and processes, and in particular to a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and to apparatus for carrying out the method. The invention more particularly relates to methods and apparatus which utilize microwave and ultrasonic energy to enhance chemical reaction rates; and in specific instances, the invention relates to methods, processes and apparatus for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The methods, processes and apparatus of the invention are useful for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels; and also useful for production of reaction products of esterification and/or transesterification reactions including fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: [Problems] The present invention is to provide a method of solubilizing a carbon nanomaterial, in which a carbon nanomaterial can be dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent easily and uniformly without structural deterioration of the carbon nanomaterial, the dispersibility can be maintained for a prolonged period of time, the solubilizing treatment can be performed at low cost, and the treatment can be easily controlled. [Means for Resolution] The method of solubilizing a carbon nanomaterial of the invention is characterized by mixing a carbon nanomaterial in a hydrophilic solvent, and performing streamer discharge in the hydrophilic solvent to dissolve the carbon nanomaterial in the hydrophilic solvent with the dispersed state thereof maintained stably.

Abstract: A catalyst free process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes by inducing an arc discharge from a carbon anode and a carbon cathode in an inert gas atmosphere contained in a closed vessel. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure in the absence of external cooling mechanism for the carbon cathode or the carbon anode.

Abstract: Electromagnetic irradiation of functionalized fullerenes in an oxygen-free environment induces conversion of the functionalized fullerenes to carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon onions, diamonds and/or carbon schwarzites. The carbon nanotubes can be multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Advantageously, the subject invention can be used for in-situ synthesis of carbon nanostructures within a matrix to form a carbon nanostructure composite, where positioning of the carbon nanostructures is controlled by the manner of dispersion of the functionalized fullerenes in the matrix. Carbon nanotube comprising features, such as electrical connects, can be formed on a surface by irradiating a portion of a functionalized fullerene coating with a laser beam.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbon-particle structure, including the step of irradiating opaque carbon dioxide at and/or near its critical point, as light is scattered, with a UV-wavelength laser beam to produce a carbon-particle structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of providing a flow of methane gas at a selected flow rate, providing a catalyst, producing a methane plasma at a negative pressure using microwave irradiation at a selected microwave power, directing the methane plasma over the catalyst, and controlling the flow of methane gas and the microwave power to produce a product gas having a selected composition. A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a methane gas source, a reactor having a reaction chamber containing a catalyst, a microwave power source configured to form a methane plasma, and a vacuum pump configured to maintain the reaction chamber at a negative pressure.

Abstract: Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment include a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: Methods of making nanoparticles are disclosed. The nanoparticles include carbon nanotubes and fullerenes, but the methods can be extended to produce other nanotubes, nanocrystals, proteins, nanospheres, etc. The disclosed methods generate cavitation in fluids to create the necessary conditions for nanoparticle formation. Disclosed methods for generating cavitation include explosions and oscillation of fluids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that provide heat, via at least Photon-Electron resonance, also known as excitation, of at least a particle utilized, at least in part, to initiate and/or drive at least one catalytic chemical reaction. In some implementations, the particles are structures or metallic structures, such as nanostructures. The one or more metallic structures are heated at least as a result of interaction of incident electromagnetic radiation, having particular frequencies and/or frequency ranges, with delocalized surface electrons of the one or more particles. This provides a control of catalytic chemical reactions, via spatial and temporal control of generated heat, on the scale of nanometers as well as a method by which catalytic chemical reaction temperatures are provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling a structure of a nano-scale substance, which comprises irradiating a mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale with an electromagnetic wave in an oxygen atmosphere, to thereby selectively oxidize a low-dimensional quantum structure having a density of states resonating with the electromagnetic wave used for the irradiation. The method allows a low-dimensional quantum structure having a specific structure to be selectively disappeared from the mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically functionalized submicron graphitic fibril having a diameter or thickness less than 1 ?m, wherein the fibril is free of continuous thermal carbon overcoat, free of continuous hollow core, and free of catalyst. The fibril is obtained by splitting a micron-scaled carbon fiber or graphite fiber along the fiber axis direction. These functionalized graphitic fibrils exhibit exceptionally high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, high elastic modulus, high strength and good interfacial bonding with a matrix resin in a composite. The present invention also provides several products that contain submicron graphitic fibrils: (a) paper, thin-film, mat, and web products; (b) rubber or tire products; (c) energy conversion or storage devices, such as fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors; (d) adhesives, inks, coatings, paints, lubricants, and grease products; (e) heavy metal ion scavenger; (f) absorbent (e.g.

Abstract: A method for sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for sorting CNTs of the present disclosure comprises providing to a surface of a substrate, the surface modified with a trans isomer of photo-isomerization-reactive diazo compound, a dispersion containing a mixture of conducting CNTs and semiconducting CNTs; removing CNTs which are not associated with the modified surface from the surface; and irradiating the modified surface to detach the CNTs associated with the modified surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of hollow carbon fibres by the treatment of a stabilised carbon fibre precursor in an application device using high-frequency electromagnetic waves. The application device includes structure supplying the electromagnetic waves to a outcoupling region and a hollow outer conductor terminating in the outcoupling region. For the treatment, a field of the high-frequency electromagnetic waves is generated and a field strength in the range from 15 to 40 kV/m is set in the outcoupling region of the application device. The stabilised carbon fibre precursor is conveyed continuously as an inner conductor through the hollow outer conductor, thereby forming a coaxial conductor having an outer and an inner conductor, and through the subsequent outcoupling region. An inert gas atmosphere is created in the coaxial conductor and in the outcoupling region by passing through an inert gas.

Abstract: Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for converting carbon dioxide and treating waste material using a high energy electron beam are disclosed. For example, carbon dioxide and an aqueous reaction solution having a reactant can be combined to form an aqueous reaction mixture, and the aqueous reaction mixture can then be subjected to a high energy electron beam that initiates a reaction between carbon dioxide and the reactant to form a reaction product. Solid or liquid waste material can be treated by, for example, combining carbon dioxide and a solid or liquid waste material having a reactant and then subjecting the carbon dioxide and solid or liquid waste material having a reactant to a high energy electron beam to initiate a reaction between the carbon dioxide and the reactant to form a reaction product.

Abstract: A graphene oxide (GO) target is exposed to light having power sufficient to initiate a deoxygenation reaction of the GO target. The deoxygenation reaction of the GO target transforms the GO target to graphene.

Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube precious metal nanoparticles composite includes the following steps. A solution dissolving precious metal ions is provided. A water soluble polymer is provided and dissolved in water to form a solution of the soluble polymer. The solution of the precious metal ions is added into the solution of the soluble polymer to form a first mixture. A solution of carbon nanotubes is provided and added in the first mixture to form a second mixture. The second mixture is irradiated via radiation, the radiation have a wave length less than 450 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus 1A for processing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) includes: a processing chamber 3 for housing to-be-processed liquid 2 with CNT raw material 5 to be fragmented being suspended in a solvent 4; and a pulse irradiation light source 10 for applying pulse light having a predetermined wavelength for fragmentation of the CNTs in the solvent 4 to the to-be-processed liquid 2 housed in the processing chamber 3. This achieves a method and apparatus for processing carbon nanotubes that can fragment CNTs efficiently, and carbon nanotube dispersion liquid and carbon nanotube powder produced by the same.

Abstract: A method for realizing carbon dioxide reduction, which is a task to be urgently accomplished from the viewpoint of global environmental problems, is provided. The method includes the steps of irradiating carbon dioxide in a supercritical or subcritical state (i.e., near the critical point) with a UV-wavelength laser beam to decompose carbon dioxide and form a carbon-particle structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for decomposing a carbon-containing compound including: changing the condition of the carbon-containing compound into a subcritical fluid, a critical fluid or a supercritical fluid state; irradiating the carbon-containing compound with light to decompose, wherein the carbon-containing compound is an organic compound. According to an aspect of the present invention, a carbon nano/microstructure such as a nano/microparticle is obtained at a temperature lower than those used conventionally.

Abstract: A method of reducing a film of graphite oxide. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a film of graphite oxide with a thickness d0; and delivering optical energy in a single pulse to the film of graphite oxide at a distance no more than 1.0 cm away from the film of graphite oxide to reduce the film of graphite oxide to a film of graphene with a thickness d, wherein the optical energy has a radiant exposure in the range of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm2, and wherein the thickness d is greater than the thickness d0. In one embodiment, the thickness d?10×d0.

Abstract: Nitrogen-doped titania nanotubes exhibiting catalytic activity on exposure to any one or more of ultraviolet, visible, and/or infrared radiation, or combinations thereof are disclosed. The nanotube arrays may be co-doped with one or more nonmetals and may further include co-catalyst nanoparticles. Also, methods are disclosed for use of nitrogen-doped titania nanotubes in catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide alone or in admixture with hydrogen-containing gases such as water vapor and/or other reactants as may be present or desirable into products such as hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-containing products, hydrogen and hydrogen-containing products, carbon monoxide and other carbon-containing products, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Transparent monolithic aerogels based on silica, the bioderived polymer chitosan, and coordinated ions are employed to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold decorated with metal ions such as Au, Pt and Pd ions. It has also been found that the metal aerogels, such as Au(III) aerogels, can be imaged photolytically to produce nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming, producing or manufacturing functionalized nanomaterials, and, specifically, soluble functionalized nanomaterials. The presently described invention also relates to nanomaterial-based composites consisting of a target material, which can include ceramic, polymer, or metallic matrices incorporated into or grown on nanomaterials, as well as a method or synthesis technique for the formation, production, or manufacture of nanomaterial-based composites through microwave-induced reaction.

Abstract: A pressure source material is loaded into a space having constraint device 1, which is formed partly by optically transparent material 1a, 1b, and is disrupted under volume constraint. Light energy is externally supplied to the pressure source material constrained in the space through the optically transparent material by employing the device to apply light energy. The disruption of atomic bonds in the pressure source material is induced by heating the pressure source material above the boiling point thereof through the supplied energy. Exceptionally high pressures are generated in the space by the use of expansive forces arising from the disruption of atomic bonds. Such a configuration can implement ultrahigh pressure abilities that has not been achieved, so far.

Abstract: Activation of a tungsten-containing catalyst using water in a PEM-type fuel cell is described as well as cathode operation of the tungsten-containing catalyst.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus includes a plasma generating unit that generates plasma including ions, radicals, and electrons, from gas; a carbon nanotube manufacturing unit that manufactures carbon nanotubes from the radicals; a shielding electrode unit that is provided between the plasma generating unit and the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit and prevents the ions and the electrons from entering the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit; and a bias applying unit that applies a voltage to the shielding electrode unit, wherein the shielding electrode unit includes at least two first shielding electrodes that are arranged one above another, each of the first shielding electrodes having at least one opening.

Abstract: In an apparatus for surface-treating a carbon fiber, wherein the carbon fiber is heated by resistive heating, a carbon-containing gas is disposed on the carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes are grown on a surface of the carbon fiber.

Abstract: High-power inductively coupled plasma technology is used for thermal cracking and vaporization of continuously fed carbonaceous materials into elemental carbon, for reaction with separate and continuously fed metal catalysts inside a gas-phase high-temperature reactor system operating at or slightly below atmospheric pressures. In one particularly preferred embodiment, in-flight growth of carbon nanomaterials is initiated, continued, and controlled at high flow rates, enabling continuous collection and product removal via gas/solid filtration and separation methods, and/or liquid spray filtration and solid collection methods suitable for producing industrial-scale production quantities. In another embodiment, the reaction chamber and/or filtration/separation media include non-catalytic or catalytic metals to simultaneously or separately induce on-substrate synthesis and growth of carbon nanomaterials.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes for use in a fuel cell, a method for fabricating the same, and a fuel cell using the carbon nanotubes for its electrode are provided. The internal and external walls of the carbon nanotubes are doped with nano-sized metallic catalyst particles uniformly to a degree of 0.3-5 mg/cm2. The carbon nanotubes are grown over a carbon substrate using chemical vapor deposition or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Since the carbon nanotubes have a large specific surface area, and metallic catalyst particles are uniformly distributed over the internal and external walls thereof, the reaction efficiency in an electrode becomes maximal when the carbon nanotubes are used for the electrode of a fuel cell. The carbon nanotubes fabricated using the method can be applied to form a large electrode. The carbon nanotubes grown over the carbon substrate can be readily applied to an electrode of a fuel cell, providing economical advantages and simplifying the overall electrode manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of carbon fibres whereby stabilised precursor fibres are carbonised and graphitised with the help of high-frequency electromagnetic waves, characterised in that the stabilised precursor fibres are continuously conveyed, as the inner conductor of a coaxial conductor consisting of an outer and an inner conductor, through the coaxial conductor and a treatment zone; that the stabilised precursor fibres are irradiated in the treatment zone with high-frequency electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the precursor fibres, which are thereby heated and converted into carbon fibres; and that the stabilised precursor fibres or carbon fibres are conveyed under an inert gas atmosphere through the coaxial conductor and the treatment zone.