Abstract: A method of forming graphene on a flexible substrate includes providing a polymer substrate including a metal structure and providing a carbon source and a carrier gas. The method also includes subjecting the polymer substrate to a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process and growing a graphene layer on the copper structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a tetrahydroborate is disclosed. The method includes a plasma treatment step of exposing a borate to a hydrogen plasma. The method also includes that the plasma treatment is performed using hydrogen plasma generated by microwave or RF excitation, and the plasma treatment is performed while heating the borate at a temperature between 40° C. and 300° C.

Abstract: A method includes the following steps: a first step: the material containing heteroatom and graphite powder are mixed for a preset time by grinding, and the molar ratio of heteroatom to carbon atom is 1%-10%, then the heteroatom precursors are obtained; a second contact step: the heteroatom precursor is filled into a graphite rod with holes and compacted, then the graphite rod is dried for a preset time to obtain a plasma anode and using a DC arc plasma device to prepare the graphite anode into heteroatom-doped CNHs; a third contact step: the heteroatom-doped CNHs are dispersed in a reducing solution, a platinum salt is added to stir evenly, the reduction reaction is carried out by heating and stirring, and after centrifugation, washing and drying, a catalyst with platinum loading is obtained.

Abstract: Power circuitry for cold plasma generation; optionally plasma for therapeutic use. Cold plasma generation occurs at the distal end of a catheter-like device which is flexible, narrow (e.g., less than 5 mm in diameter), and longitudinally extended to reach, e.g., 50-100 cm into body cavities. A cable used for power transmission is a part of the power generating circuit, its intrinsic impedance being a major contributor to and constraint on the time constant of an entraining RC circuit whose resonant frequency entrains the frequency of power generation. In some embodiments, inductive transformer coupling to the entraining/transmission line circuit is used to generate voltage gain. In some embodiments, transformer coupling is divided into a plurality of stages.

Abstract: Power circuitry for non-thermal plasma generation; optionally therapeutic plasma. Non-thermal plasma is generated distally by a catheter-like device which is flexible, narrow (e.g., diameter <5 mm), and longitudinally extended to reach, e.g., 50-100 cm into body cavities. A plasma probe power transmission cable is a part of the power generating circuit, its intrinsic impedance contributing to and constraining the time constant of an entraining RC circuit whose resonant frequency entrains the frequency of power generation by feedback. Variable length, construction and/or manufacture (for example) of the plasma probe potentially lead to different time constants. In some embodiments, transformer coupling is divided into a plurality of stages, allowing the final-stage transformer inductance to be selected with sufficient headroom to allow the use of compensation componentry to mask probe variability and maintain a targeted operating frequency.

Abstract: A nanoparticle or agglomerate which contains connected multi-walled spherical fullerenes coated in layers of graphite. In different embodiments, the nanoparticles and agglomerates have different combinations of: a high mass fraction compared to other carbon allotropes present, a low concentration of defects, a low concentration of elemental impurities, a high Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) specific surface area, and/or a high electrical conductivity. Methods are provided to produce the nanoparticles and agglomerates at a high production rate without using catalysts.

Abstract: A method of fabrication produces one or more functional microparticles using a parallel pore working piece. In one embodiment, the method forms a particle that includes a segment for the oxidation of a biofuel (such as glucose) and the reduction of oxygen. The particle may be synthesized in a structure with defined and parallel, uniform, thin pores that completely penetrate the structure. Further, the functional microparticle may be configured to reside in a human or animal body or cell such that it may be self-contained fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, a separator membrane, and a magnetic component. In other embodiments, the functional microparticles may deliver energy or therapeutic materials in the body.

Abstract: Manufacturing apparatus, systems and method of making silicon (Si) nanowires on carbon based powders, such as graphite, that may be used as anodes in lithium ion batteries are provided. In some embodiments, an inventive tumbler reactor and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system and method for growing silicon nanowires on carbon based powders in scaled up quantities to provide production scale anodes for the battery industry are described.

Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing high quality carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are provided. A carbon precursor gas at reduced concentration (pressure) is contacted with a catalyst deposited on a support and at temperature about 10° C. above the SWNT synthesis onset temperature, but below the thermal decomposition temperature of the carbon precursor gas for given growth conditions. The concentration (pressure) of the carbon precursor gas can be controlled by reducing the total pressure of the gas, or by diluting with an inert carrier gas, or both. The methods produce SWNTs with the ratio of G-band to D-band in Raman spectra (IG:ID) of about 5 to about 200.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexible strain sensor includes a flexible polymeric substrate having a top surface and a layer of amorphous carbon formed on the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diamond-like carbon film is described, which includes the following steps. A substrate is disposed into a chamber. An aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon is introduced into the chamber. A diamond-like carbon film is grown on the substrate by using the aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon as a reaction precursor The step of growing the diamond-like carbon film includes controlling a substrate temperature at 200 Celsius degrees to 800 Celsius degrees.

Abstract: A thermal cracking apparatus and method includes a body having an inner volume with a longitudinal axis, where a reaction zone surrounds the longitudinal axis. A feedstock process gas is flowed into the inner volume and longitudinally through the reaction zone during thermal cracking operations. A power control system controls electrical power to an elongated heating element, which is disposed within the inner volume. During thermal cracking operations, the elongated heating element is heated to a molecular cracking temperature to generate the reaction zone, the feedstock process gas is heated from the elongated heating element, the power control system uses a feedback parameter for adjusting the electrical power to maintain the molecular cracking temperature at a substantially constant value, and the heat thermally cracks molecules of the feedstock process gas that are within the reaction zone into constituent components of the molecules.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing graphenic carbon particles are disclosed. The graphenic carbon particles may be thermally produced and dispersed in thermoset and/or thermoset polymeric film coatings. The cured coatings exhibit desirable properties such as increased electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A system and method for producing graphene includes a discharge assembly and a substrate assembly. The discharge assembly includes a cathode and an anode, which in one embodiment are offset from each other. The anode produces a flux stream that is deposited onto a substrate. A collection device removes the deposited material from the rotating substrate. The flux stream can be a carbon vapor, with the deposited flux being graphene.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexible strain sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface and a layer of piezoresistive amorphous carbon formed on the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A fullerene arc source and a fullerene production apparatus comprising the arc source. More than one independent arc source (2) is mounted in a vacuum furnace (1). Each arc source (2) comprises an anode (21) and a cathode trigger (23). The anode (21) is in contact with the cathode trigger (23) to generate an arc and a triggering end of a positive electrode is vaporized to produce a mixture comprising the fullerene. The multiple arc source (2) in the vacuum furnace (1) simultaneously work to industrially produce the fullerene in a mass manner.

Abstract: A kit for installation on a top portion of a tank to treat a liquid that includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, the outlet of the throat is installed on the top portion of the tank and the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat; and (b) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that is aligned with the throat along the central, and a second electrode that is installed within the tank such that the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis.

Abstract: Scratch-resistant glass substrates including a hard, scratch-resistant layer over a major surface of the substrate are disclosed. The layer may exhibit a hardness, as measured using a Berkovich indenter, of at least 10 GPa and an x-ray amorphous structure along at least a portion of the thickness of the layer. The layer may optionally exhibit an optical transparency of at least 70% and/or a compressive stress of at least 10 MPa.

Abstract: A device is provided, including a supplying unit and an arranging unit. The supplying unit includes a guiding axle. A supplying element is located on the guiding axle and a first motor. The supplying element supplies the at least one carbon nanotube wire to the arranging unit, and the first motor drives the supplying element reciprocating straightly along the guiding axle. The arranging unit includes a prism shaped supporter, a whirling arm and a driving mechanism. The prism shaped supporter supports at least one planar substrate, and the driving mechanism drives the whirling arm and the prism shaped supporter rotating round an axis of the prism shaped supporter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon precursor material into a thermal zone (20), heating the hydrocarbon precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the hydrocarbon precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. The hydrocarbon precursor material may comprise a hydrocarbon and/or methane capable of forming a two-carbon-fragment species. Apparatus (20) for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the total power of non-thermal plasma power systems are described. Various embodiments of the present invention provide non-thermal plasma reactor assemblies and methods of operating said assemblies, each assembly comprising: (a) at least two non-thermal plasma reactors, each reactor comprising at least one inlet circumferential gas flow inlet apparatus, an electrode, and a flow restricted exit portal, said reactor configured to eject a jet of non-thermal plasma external to said reactor; (b) said at least two non-thermal plasma reactors configured to work in tandem with one another such that a first reactor electrode can be maintained at a high voltage electric potential relative to a second reactor electrode, said first and second reactor electrodes forming an electrode pair able to maintain a non-thermal plasma discharge between the first and second reactor electrodes.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell with hybrid nanostructures comprises a negative-polarity conductive substrate, a metal oxide layer, a positive-polarity conductive substrate and an electrolyte. The metal oxide layer has a plurality of nanoparticles and a plurality of nanotubes. The metal oxide layer and the electrolyte are arranged between the negative-polarity conductive substrate and the positive-polarity conductive substrate. The nanoparticles increase contact area with dye and thus enhance power generation efficiency. The nanotubes increase carrier mobility and thus effectively transfer electricity to electrodes. The solar cell integrates the advantages of nanoparticles and nanotubes and offsets the disadvantages thereof to effectively enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Abstract: A method of treating particles by disaggregating, deagglomerating, exfoliating, cleaning, functionalising, doping, decorating and/or repairing said particles, in which the particles are subjected to plasma treatment in a treatment chamber containing a plurality of electrodes which project therein and wherein plasma is generated by said electrodes which are moved during the plasma treatment to agitate the particles.

Abstract: Method to produce diamonds containing Nitrogen-Vacancy centers from diamonds grown by a high pressure and high temperature process and containing isolated substitutional nitrogen, comprising: —Irradiating (12) said diamonds by an electron beam such that the irradiation dose is comprised between 1017 and 1019 electrons per square centimeter; —annealing (14) the irradiated diamonds in vacuum or in a inert atmosphere at a temperature above 700° C. and for at least 1 hour; characterized in that said electron beam has an acceleration energy above 7 MeV.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system or method of increased efficiency in carbon nanomaterial synthesis. In one embodiment, a system or method of automated collection of deposited carbon nanomaterial is disclosed. According to one or more embodiments, a method of automated collection of deposited nanomaterial may comprise using cleaner blades to clean the wall of a deposition chamber and the surface of a central body where carbon nanomaterial has been deposited. The method of automated carbon nanomaterial collection may be used in connection with a method of carbon nanomaterial synthesis, to create a more efficient synthesis process.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method to convert a fuel into energy and specialized fuel includes, in a reactor, dissociating a fuel to produce hot carbon and hydrogen, the hot carbon having a temperature state in a range of 700 to 1500° C., in which the dissociating includes providing heat and/or electric energy to produce the hot carbon and the hydrogen; and removing the hot carbon and the hydrogen from the reactor, the removing including depositing the hot carbon to a chamber, in which the hot carbon includes an increased chemical potential energy and is capable of storing energy from an external source. In some implementations, the method can further include supplying an oxygen- and hydrogen-containing reactant to contact the hot carbon to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2); and obtaining the produced CO and H2, which, after the supplying, remaining deposited carbon forms a durable carbon-based good or product.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes having specific lengths, said method comprising: producing carbon nanotubes having at least two types of zones along their lengths, wherein each zone type has a characteristic structure that confers specific properties; and processing said carbon nanotubes to selectively attack one zone type more aggressively than another zone type.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing carbon nanoparticles at low cost and with good efficiency. According to the disclosure of the present description, a voltage is applied between a graphite positive electrode and a negative electrode in an aqueous medium to generate arc discharge in a gap. An inert gas is introduced into the gap from a cylinder bottle at a predetermined flow rate. In this manner, carbon nanoparticles can be produced from carbon steam that is generated in the gap as a result of the arc discharge.

Abstract: Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition is used to form single crystal diamond from a seed and methane. A susceptor is used to support the seed. Under certain conditions, crystalline grit is formed in addition to the diamond. The crystalline grit in one embodiment comprises mono crystals or twin crystals of carbon, each having its own nucleus. The crystals form in columns or tendrils to the side of the monocrystalline diamond or off a side of the susceptor. The crystals may have bonding imperfections which simulate doping, providing conductivity. They may also be directly doped. Many tools may be coated with the grit.

Abstract: Method to produce diamonds containing Nitrogen-Vacancy centers from diamonds grown by a high pressure and high temperature process and containing isolated substitutional nitrogen, comprising: —Irradiating (12) said diamonds by an electron beam such that the irradiation dose is comprised between 1017 and 1019 electrons per square centimeter; —annealing (14) the irradiated diamonds in vacuum or in a inert atmosphere at a temperature above 700° C. and for at least 1 hour; characterized in that said electron beam has an acceleration energy above 7 MeV.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a methane precursor material into a thermal zone, heating the methane precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the methane precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A graphene production apparatus 100 has a vessel 10 and, attached thereto, an immersion electrode 20 and a non-immersion electrode 30. The immersion electrode has an electrode covering 20c and an electrode main body 20e, and the non-immersion electrode has a covering 30c and an electrode main body 30e. An argon-feeding conduit 40 is disposed so as to inject argon into the vessel 10 around the electrode main body 30e. Ethanol is supplied in such an amount that the liquid surface completely covers the electrode main body 20e of the immersion electrode 20 and does not reach the electrode main body 30e of the non-immersion electrode 30. The electrode main body 20e is formed from, for example, iron, nickel, or cobalt.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a new and low cost method for producing single wall nanotubes and other allotropic forms of carbon. Said method uses a high electric current and 127 VAC or 220 VAC power supplies to sublimation of a solid precursor, which material can be made of graphite. The solid precursor is connected to metallic electrodes, so that an intense electric current cross the contacts to pulverize the graphite under high temperature. The carbon materials are deposited in the wall of the reactor as well as in the electrodes, in an atmospheric pressure. The obtained material is purified in acids and, then, the carbon nanotubes are separated. In general, this new synthesis is characterized by the absence of a metal catalyst, the employ of a short circuit current with an agent to produce carbon materials, the low pressure into reaction, and the assembly of the apparatus involving a very low cost and a low voltage of operation.

Abstract: Hetero-nanocapsule, which is a carbon nanocapule containing heteroatoms, comprises a closed graphite layer represented by a chemical formula C(D)x, wherein C is carbon atom exhibiting sp2 hybrid orbital, D is hetero-atom, such as B, N, P, or S atom, bonded to the carbon atom; and X is a molar equivalent ranging from 0.0001 to 0.1, based on the molar equivalent of carbon atom as 1. The hetero-nanocapsules may be hollow or filled with metal or metal compound.

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 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: Disclosed is a system or method of increased efficiency in carbon nanomaterial synthesis. In one embodiment, a system or method of automated collection of deposited carbon nanomaterial is disclosed. According to one or more embodiments, a method of automated collection of deposited nanomaterial may comprise using cleaner blades to clean the wall of a deposition chamber and the surface of a central body where carbon nanomaterial has been deposited. The method of automated carbon nanomaterial collection may be used in connection with a method of carbon nanomaterial synthesis, to create a more efficient synthesis process.

Abstract: There is provided a fabrication method for an AA stacked graphene-diamond hybrid material by converting, through a high temperature treatment on diamond, a diamond surface into graphene. According to the present invention, if various types of diamond are maintained at a certain temperature having a stable graphene phase (approximately greater than 1200° C.) in a hydrogen gas atmosphere, two diamond {111} lattice planes are converted into one graphene plate (2:1 conversion), whereby the diamond surface is converted into graphene in a certain thickness, thus to fabricate the AA stacked graphene-diamond hybrid material.

Abstract: Process for producing nanomaterials such as graphenes, graphene composites, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxides and other nanomaterials by high heat vaporization and rapid cooling. In some of the preferred embodiments, the high heat is produced by an oxidation-reduction reaction of carbon dioxide and magnesium as the primary reactants, although additional materials such as reaction catalysts, control agents, or composite materials can be included in the reaction, if desired. The reaction also produces nanomaterials from a variety of other input materials, and by varying the process parameters, the type and morphology of the carbon nanoproducts and other nanoproducts can be controlled. The reaction products include novel nanocrystals of MgO (percilase) and MgAl2O4 (spinels) as well as composites of these nanocrystals with multiple layers of graphene deposited on or intercalated with them.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing an amorphous carbon layer on a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a deposition process includes positioning a substrate in a substrate processing chamber, introducing a hydrocarbon source having a carbon to hydrogen atom ratio of greater than 1:2 into the processing chamber, introducing a plasma initiating gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, helium, argon, nitrogen, and combinations thereof into the processing chamber, with the hydrocarbon source having a volumetric flow rate to plasma initiating gas volumetric flow rate ratio of 1:2 or greater, generating a plasma in the processing chamber, and forming a conformal amorphous carbon layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of production of chemical bonds and subsequent molecules by electrospray ionization and the design of an electrospray chemical synthesizer, for use in chemical synthesis and expedited organic chemical reactions.

Abstract: A system and method for treating unmarketable fly ash and improve its properties as an additive for concrete is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a gas stream containing ionized air through a plasma reactor and exposing an amount of fly ash containing carbon to the ionized air while in the reactor. The exposure of the carbon to the ionized air promotes the attachment of the ions to the carbon to reduce the adsorption capacity of the carbon.

Abstract: A plasma decomposition apparatus and method for carbon dioxide decomposes carbon dioxide in a non-thermal plasma state into carbon and oxygen. The apparatus includes: a reactor for decomposing carbon dioxide with an inlet for inflow of carbon dioxide and a outlet for discharge of carbon and oxygen; a plurality of anodes placed in the reactor, having a rod shape elongated in a length direction; a plurality of cathodes placed among the plurality of anodes in the reactor, having a rod shape elongated in the length direction; and a power source applying a predetermined voltage between the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of carbon nanostructures, the carbon nanostructures being selected from carbon nanotubes and carbon nano-onions. The method comprises the steps of injecting a carbon-containing gas into a plasma flame generated from a plasma forming gas to provide atomic carbon, which in the presence of in situ generated nanometer sized metal catalyst particles that act as nucleation points for growth of carbon nanostructures, produce the carbon nanostructures, and collecting the carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: A substrate-free gas-phase synthesis apparatus and method that is capable of rapidly and continuously producing graphene in ambient conditions without the use of graphite or substrates is provided. Graphene sheets are continuously synthesized in fractions of a second by sending an aerosol consisting of argon gas and liquid ethanol droplets into an atmospheric-pressure microwave-generated argon plasma field. The ethanol droplets are evaporated and dissociated in the plasma, forming graphene sheets that are collected. The apparatus can be scaled for the large-scale production of clean and highly ordered graphene and its many applications. The graphene that is produced is clean and highly ordered with few lattice imperfections and oxygen functionalities and therefore has improved characteristics over graphene produced by current methods in the art.

Abstract: Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, chemical reactant sources, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a combustion torch positioned to direct a flame into the reaction chamber, and one or more reactant feed assemblies configured to electrically energize at least one electrically conductive solid reactant structure to form a plasma and feed each electrically conductive solid reactant structure into the plasma to form at least one product is disclosed. In an additional embodiment, a chemical reactant source for a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor comprising an elongated electrically conductive reactant structure consisting essentially of at least one chemical reactant is disclosed. In further embodiments, methods of forming a chemical reactant source and methods of chemically converting at least one reactant into at least one product are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of creating an electric arc in an electric field between a carbonaceous anode and a carbonaceous cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbonaceous anode and the carbonaceous cathode are immersed in dielectric liquid serving as a dielectric, coolant and for providing an oxygen-free environment. Preferably, one of the electric discharge machining dielectric oils is used as dielectric liquid. Preferably, an electric discharge machine is used to immerse the electrodes in the dielectric liquid, create an electric field, induce the arc, and adjust the gap between the electrodes thus optimizing the yield of carbon nanotubes. The process is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides high-quality carbon nanotubes while eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for the synthesis or preparation of boron-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes (B-SWCNTs). The invention provides a high yield, single step method for producing large quantities of continuous macroscopic carbon fiber from single-wall carbon nanotubes using inexpensive carbon feedstocks wherein the carbon nanotubes are produced by in situ boron substitutional doping. In one embodiment, the nanotubes disclosed are used, singularly or in multiples, in power transmission cables, in solar cells, in batteries, as antennas, as molecular electronics, as probes and manipulators, and in composites. It is another object of this invention to provide macroscopic carbon fiber made by such a method.