Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an Si/C composite, which includes providing an active material containing silicon, providing lignin, bringing the active material into contact with a C precursor containing lignin and carbonizing the active material by converting lignin into inorganic carbon at a temperature of at least 400° C. in an inert gas atmosphere. The invention further provides an Si/C composite, the use thereof as anode material in lithium ion batteries, an anode material for lithium ion batteries which contains such an Si/C composite, a process for producing an anode for a lithium ion battery, in which such an anode material is used, and also a lithium ion battery which includes an anode having an anode material according to the invention.

Abstract: Wet carbon paper processing, wet carbon papers, electrodes prepared from such wet carbon papers, and capacitors prepared from such electrodes.

Abstract: In various embodiments a carbon nanotube molecular rebar formulation comprising a specific composition is disclosed. The composition comprises discrete carbon nanotubes that have at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes with a number average (ratio of number average contour length to end to end length) of greater than 1.1 and up to about 3. These discrete carbon nanotubes having the specified ratio of number average (tube contour length (TCL) to number average tube end-end length) ratio are not only discrete (separated) from one another, but are also controlled in their alignment such that processability and mechanical strength properties are both enhanced. Utility of the molecular rebar composition includes, but is not limited to improved composites, engineered materials, foams, sealants, coatings and adhesives, energy devices such as photovoltaics, batteries and capacitors, sensors and separation membranes.

Abstract: Provided is composite carbon fibers comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes wherein 99% by number or more of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes have a fiber diameter of not less than 5 nm and not more than 40 nm, carbon particles having a primary particle diameter of not less than 20 nm and not more than 100 nm and graphitized carbon nanofibers wherein 99% by number or more of the graphitized carbon nanofibers have a fiber diameter of not less than 50 nm and not more than 300 nm, wherein the multi-walled carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dispersed between the graphitized carbon nanofibers and the carbon particles.

Abstract: Nanostructured compositions containing carbon nanotubes and at least one other type of nanoparticle can display the beneficial properties of both substances. Nanostructured compositions can contain a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a plurality of nanoparticles, and a plurality of linker moieties, where at least a portion of the linker moieties connect at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes to the nanoparticles. The nanostructured compositions can form a substrate coating. The nanostructured compositions can contain two or more different types or sizes of nanoparticles. Methods for forming a nanostructured composition can include forming a non-covalent bond between a linker moiety and a carbon nanotube, forming a covalent bond between a linker moiety and a nanoparticle or a surfactant coating thereon, and applying a plurality of carbon nanotubes to a substrate. The linker moiety can be non-covalently bonded to the carbon nanotube before or after applying the carbon nanotubes to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing an active material for batteries comprising providing electrochemically active particles, optionally comminuting the electrochemically active particles, adding an organic carbon compound, optionally in a suitable organic solvent, and mixing, heating the mixture under protective gas to a temperature above the decomposition limit of the organic compound and below the decomposition temperature of the electrochemically active particles, active materials thus obtained and also corresponding applications and uses.

Abstract: A diamond-like carbon film for improving an efficiency of a field emitting element is disclosed in the present invention. The abovementioned diamond-like carbon film is deposited on a substrate and uses a mixture of graphite fiber and diamond powder as its nucleation layer. Furthermore, a method for fabricating the abovementioned diamond-like carbon film is also disclosed in the present invention and at least comprises the following steps. First, a substrate and a mixing solution composed of graphite fiber and diamond powder are provided. And then, a nucleation layer is formed on the substrate by utilizing the mixing solution. A diamond-like carbon film is finally deposited on the substrate by utilizing the nucleation layer.

Abstract: A conductive mesoporous carbon composite comprising conductive carbon nanoparticles contained within a mesoporous carbon matrix, wherein the conductive mesoporous carbon composite possesses at least a portion of mesopores having a pore size of at least 10 nm and up to 50 nm, and wherein the mesopores are either within the mesoporous carbon matrix, or are spacings delineated by surfaces of said conductive carbon nanoparticles when said conductive carbon nanoparticles are fused with each other, or both. Methods for producing the above-described composite, devices incorporating them (e.g., lithium batteries), and methods of using them, are also described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, metal nanoparticle dispersion includes organic solvent, and metal-containing particles dispersed in the organic solvent. The metal-containing particles include first metal nanoparticles and second metal nanoparticles. Each of the first metal nanoparticles has a high-molecular compound on at least part of a surface thereof. Each of the second metal nanoparticles has a low-molecular compound on at least part of a surface thereof. A total amount of the low-molecular compound on all of the second nanoparticles includes an amount of a primary amine as the low-molecular compound.

Abstract: Provided are a Si/C composite, in which carbon (C) is dispersed in an atomic state in a silicon (Si) particle, and a method of preparing the Si/C composite. Since the Si/C composite of the present invention is used as an anode active material, electrical conductivity may be further improved and volume expansion may be minimized. Thus, life characteristics of a lithium secondary battery may be improved.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a conductor includes providing a plurality of conductive nano-scale material elements, dispersing the nano-scale material elements within a resin to provide a resin-nano-scale material mixture, aligning the nano-scale material elements within the resin-nano-scale material mixture, and curing the resin-nano-scale material mixture.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: An optically transparent and electrically conductive film composed of metal nanowires or carbon nanotubes combined with pristine graphene with a metal nanowire-to-graphene or carbon nanotube-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/99 to 99/1, wherein the pristine graphene is single-crystalline and contains no oxygen and no hydrogen, and the film exhibits an optical transparence no less than 80% and sheet resistance no higher than 300 ohm/square. This film can be used as a transparent conductive electrode in an electro-optic device, such as a photovoltaic or solar cell, light-emitting diode, photo-detector, touch screen, electro-wetting display, liquid crystal display, plasma display, LED display, a TV screen, a computer screen, or a mobile phone screen.

Abstract: A composition comprising: at least one porous carbon monolith, such as a carbon aerogel, comprising internal pores, and at least one nanomaterial, such as carbon nanotubes, disposed uniformly throughout the internal pores. The nanomaterial can be disposed in the middle of the monolith. In addition, a method for making a monolithic solid with both high surface area and good bulk electrical conductivity is provided. A porous substrate having a thickness of 100 microns or more and comprising macropores throughout its thickness is prepared. At least one catalyst is deposited inside the porous substrate. Subsequently, chemical vapor deposition is used to uniformly deposit a nanomaterial in the macropores throughout the thickness of the porous substrate. Applications include electrical energy storage, such as batteries and capacitors, and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of carbon nanotubes and of graphenes in agglomerated solid form comprising: a) carbon nanotubes, the content of which represents from 0.1% to 50% by weight, preferably from 10% to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composite; b) graphenes, the content of which represents from 0.1% to 20% by weight, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composite; and c) a polymer composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and/or one elastomer. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing said composite, its use for the manufacture of a composite product, and also to the various applications of the composite product.

Abstract: The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a composite active material for lithium secondary batteries, which is capable of providing a lithium secondary battery that has large charge and discharge capacity, high-rate charge and discharge characteristics and good cycle characteristics at the same time; and a method for producing the composite active material for lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: A metal oxide-carbon composite includes a carbon aerogel with an oxide overcoat. The metal oxide-carbon composite is made by providing a carbon aerogel, immersing the carbon aerogel in a metal oxide sol under a vacuum, raising the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol to atmospheric pressure, curing the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol at room temperature, and drying the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol to produce the metal oxide-carbon composite. The step of providing a carbon aerogel can provide an activated carbon aerogel or provide a carbon aerogel with carbon nanotubes that make the carbon aerogel mechanically robust.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to energy storage materials such as activated carbon comprising enhanced particle packing properties and devices containing the same. The energy storage materials find utility in any number of devices, for example, in electric double layer capacitance devices and batteries. Methods for making the energy storage materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: Provided herein are carbon nanotubes conformally coated with diamond nanocrystals or silicon carbide, or both, methods of their preparation, methods of their use and compositions and materials comprising the conformally coated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A preferably aqueous dispersion comprises carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets, with the ratio by mass of carbon nanotubes to graphene platelets being situated within a range from ?5:95 to ?75:25. In a process for preparing a dispersion of this kind, carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets are combined so that the ratio by mass of carbon nanotubes to graphene platelets in the dispersion is in a range from ?5:95 to ?75:25. The dispersion can be used as a printing ink for producing electrically conductive films. The invention further provides an electrically conductive film comprising carbon nanotubes and graphene platelets, with the ratio by mass of carbon nanotubes to graphene platelets being situated within a range from ?5:95 to ?75:25.

Abstract: Particles (A) including an element capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, carbon particles (B) capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C), carbon nanofibers (D) and optionally electrically conductive carbon particles (E) are mixed in the presence of shear force to obtain a composite electrode material. A lithium ion secondary battery is obtained using the above composite electrode material.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material is derived from a polysaccharide by carbonization. The polysaccharide is preferably a starch. The carbonaceous material has mesoporosity and is useful as a solid catalytic support.

Abstract: A method for modifying a surface of a powder is provided. The method includes steps of providing a polar aprotic solvent; and mixing the polar aprotic solvent with the powder so that the polar aprotic solvent adheres to the surface of the powder.

Abstract: A method for making a phosphorated composite is provided. First, a mixture is obtained by mixing a source material with red phosphorus. The weight ratio of the source material to the red phosphorus ranges from about 1:10 to about 5:1. Second, the mixture is dried in an inert atmosphere or vacuum. Third, the mixture is heated in a reacting room filled with an inert atmosphere so that the red phosphorus sublimes. Finally, the reacting room is cooled down.

Abstract: A composition for energy dissipation in at least a portion of the frequency range from about 1 GHz to about 20 GHz, the composition can comprise a dielectric and graphene mixed with at least a portion of the dielectric, wherein the percentage volume of the graphene relative to the total volume of the composition is configured such that dissipation of incident electromagnetic radiation is substantially optimized in at least a portion of the frequency range from about 1 GHz to about 20 GHz.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to boron nitride converted carbon fiber. In one aspect, a method may include the operations of providing boron oxide and carbon fiber, heating the boron oxide to melt the boron oxide and heating the carbon fiber, mixing a nitrogen-containing gas with boron oxide vapor from molten boron oxide, and converting at least a portion of the carbon fiber to boron nitride.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the invention is a novel process for the preparation of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials by impregnation with a strong sulphur-based acid, the materials capable of being obtained according to this process and the use of these materials with improved supercapacitance properties to produce electrodes intended for energy storage systems. Electrodes composed of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials according to the invention and lithium batteries and supercapacitors having such electrodes also form part of the invention.

Abstract: A durable electrode material suitable for use in Li ion batteries is provided. The material is comprised of a continuous network of graphite regions integrated with, and in good electrical contact with a composite comprising graphene sheets and an electrically active material, such as silicon, wherein the electrically active material is dispersed between, and supported by, the graphene sheets.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrically conductive material includes steps of: (a) providing a carbon fiber; (b) providing a plastic fiber that differs from the carbon fiber; (c) producing a mixture in the form of a two-dimensional mat from the carbon fiber and the plastic fiber; (d) drying the mixture, optionally; (e) consolidating the mixture; (f) cutting the mixture to size, optionally; (g) carbonizing the mixture, wherein the carbonized plastic fibers form a carbon-based matrix possessing electrical conductivity that at least partially surrounds the carbon fibers. Electrically conductive materials obtained by the method have an increased electrical resistance. An emitter is specified that contains a transparent or translucent housing and an electrically conductive material as to above. These now allow emitters of virtually any length to be operated at customary line voltages.

Abstract: A method of producing graphene comprises forming a composition comprising magnesium and carbon, and isolating graphene from the composition. The isolated graphene is crystalline.

Abstract: Certain applicator liquids and method of making the applicator liquids are described. The applicator liquids can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. An applicator liquid for preparation of a nanotube film or fabric includes a controlled concentration of nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium containing water. The controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is a process for producing carbon nanotubes, the process comprising: a) the synthesis of alcohol(s) by fermentation of at least one vegetable matter and optionally the purification of the product obtained; b) the dehydration of the alcohol or alcohols obtained in a) in order to produce, in a first reactor, a mixture of alkene(s) and water and optionally the purification of the product obtained; c) the introduction, in particular the introduction into a fluidized bed, in a second reactor, of a powdery catalyst at a temperature ranging from 450 to 850° C.

Abstract: A graphene-based composite includes graphene and a structure former contacting the graphite, wherein the structure former is a metal oxide or a carbon compound and includes pores therein, and the graphene-based composite has a porous particle structure. The graphene-based composite can have a large specific surface area and excellent charge storage capacity.

Abstract: A condition monitoring paint is formed of a base material, and conductive components for forming a conductive network. The conductive components may include nano-particles or nano-structures. The paint in used in a condition monitoring system for monitoring the integrity or condition of structures, such as bridges.

Abstract: Silicon particles for active materials and electro-chemical cells are provided. The active materials comprising silicon particles described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of silicon particles. The silicon particles have an average particle size between about 0.1 ?m and about 30 ?m and a surface including nanometer-sized features. The composite material also includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases is a substantially continuous phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a submicron-scaled 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. The diameter or thickness is preferably less than 500 nm and can be greater or less than 100 nm. These graphitic fibrils exhibit exceptionally high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, elastic modulus, and strength. 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: 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 self sustained system for sorbent production includes a thermal reactor for pyrolytic decomposing organic waste material in order to generate synthetic gases and sorbents; sorbent and gas separation unit; gas cleaning unit and gas turbine, supplying energy back to the system. Rice husk is fed continuously into a thermal reactor at a controlled feed rate. The plasma torch is used to heat the reactor to a sufficient temperature, as to convert the rice husk ‘feed’ material to a synthetic gas and solid carbon rich sorbent. Oxygen and steam are added in control quantities to optimize efficiency of production of synthetic gas composition and sorbent quality. The synthetic gas is directed through a heat exchanger, where heat is extracted for producing the process steam. Cooled synthetic gas is used to power a gas turbine as a fuel to produce electricity. In one embodiment the waste material is a rice husk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-containing nanomaterial comprising, in particular made up as, a network of carbon wall structures which enclose open or closed voids which has a density which can be as low as 0.2 mg per cm3 or lower. The nanomaterial of the invention is made up as a network of carbon wall structures. The carbon wall structures can be tubular, rod-like or in the form of webs or the like which have varying thickness and thus form a network structure, in particular a three-dimensional network structure constructed in the manner of a sponge.

Abstract: A carbon raw material such as a green coke in which loss on heat when it is heated from 300 to 1200° C. under an inert atmosphere is no less than 5% by mass and no more than 20% by mass is pulverized and then the pulverized carbon raw material is graphitized to obtain a graphite material suitable for a carbon material for anode in a lithium-ion secondary battery or the like that enables to make electrodes having a high-energy density and a large-current load characteristic since it has a small specific surface area and a small average particle diameter while maintaining high beginning efficiency and a high discharge capacity in the first round of charging and discharging. And an electrode for batteries are obtained using the graphite material.

Abstract: A unitary graphene matrix composite comprising: (a) a unitary graphene matrix containing an oxygen content of 0.001% to 10% by weight, obtained from heat-treating a graphene oxide gel at a temperature higher than 100° C. and contains no discrete graphene platelets derived from the graphene oxide gel; (b) a carbon or graphite filler phase selected from carbon or graphite fiber, carbon or graphite nano-fiber, carbon nano-tube, carbon nano-rod, meso-phase carbon particle, meso-carbon micro-bead, exfoliated graphite flake with a thickness greater than 100 nm, exfoliated graphite or graphite worm, coke particle, needle coke, carbon black or acetylene black particle, activated carbon particle, or a combination thereof. The carbon or graphite filler phase is preferably in a particulate, filamentary, or rod-like form dispersed in and bonded by the unitary graphene matrix.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery 100A has negative electrode active material particles 710A which include graphite particles that are at least partially covered by an amorphous carbon film 750. The negative electrode, active material particles 710A have a TG weight-loss-on-heating onset temperature T1 which satisfies the condition 500° C.?T1?615° C. and a micro-Raman G-band half-width Gh which satisfies the condition 20?Gh?28. This configuration makes it possible to obtain a lithium ion secondary battery 100A in which the reaction resistance in a low-temperature environment can be kept low.

Abstract: A fixing heater is provided that employs, as a heating element, a material having small heat capacity and excellent wear resistance. A metal or semi-metal compound that can act as an electrical conduction inhibiting material is mixed into a carbon-containing resin such as a furan resin, chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, etc., and a pattern of a heating element is formed on a substrate, by screen printing, and then is sintered at temperature of about 1000° C. to obtain a fixing heater including amorphous carbon and having NTC characteristics.

Abstract: A small molecule semiconductor of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted ethynyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkylsilyl group, a cyano group, and a halogen atom, wherein n is 1 or 2, and wherein X is independently S or

Abstract: A fluorescent material may include a medium, carbon nanotubes dispersed in the medium, and a fluorescent surfactant. The fluorescent surfactant may be adsorbed to a surface of some of the carbon nanotubes in a concentration sufficient to make the material fluoresce in the presence of radiation. The material may be applied to a material and tested for fluorescence, electrical conductivity, or carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: A field effect transistor using a channel layer including a phosphorus-doped graphene and a method of fabricating the same are provided. Further, a phosphorus-doped graphene and a method of producing the same are provided. The field effect transistor includes: a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on a substrate; and a channel layer comprising a phosphorus-doped graphene, the channel layer electrically connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of a fulleride of metal nano-cluster is provided. The method is characterized in mechanically alloying metal nano-clusters with fullerene-type clusters. Fullerene molecules in the fulleride of metal nano-cluster are preserved. The alloying is done by milling in a planetary mill. A material including a fulleride of a metal nano-cluster is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a Li4NbxTi5-xO12/C nanocomposite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries is disclosed, which includes the following steps: (a) obtaining a mixture of a lithium salt, niobium pentaoxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and a carbon source in a selected stoichiometric ratio; (b) mixing the mixture in a dispersant to produce a slurry; (c) drying the slurry to produce a dried mixture; (d) treating the dried mixture under a protective atmosphere, according to a heating program to produce the Li4NbxTi5-xO12/C nanocomposite, wherein the heating program comprises: calcining the dried mixture at 600° C. for 2-6 hours, heating it at a rate of 2-20° C. per minute to 950-980° C., cooling it by natural cooling to 800-850° C., maintaining the temperature at 800-850° C. for 16 hours, and cooling it by natural cooling to room temperature.