Abstract: A method comprising adding a multi-walled carbon nanotube synthesized by the vapor phase process to a nitric acid aqueous solution of not lower than 0.2 mol/L so as to dissolve a catalyst metal present in the multi-walled carbon nanotube, performing solid-liquid separation to isolate solid matter, and subjecting the isolated solid matter to heat treatment at a temperature higher than 150° C. gives a purified multi-walled carbon nanotube in which the amount of a metallic element left in the multi-walled carbon nanotube originating the catalyst metal is not smaller than 1000 ppm and not larger than 8000 ppm determined by ICP optical emission spectrometry and the amount of an anion left in the multi-walled carbon nanotube originating in the acid is smaller than 20 ppm determined by ion chromatography analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carbon nanotubes and a method of manufacturing the same. The carbon nanotubes include at least one element selected from aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) and at least one metal selected from cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo), and have an intensity ratio (ID/IG) of about 1.10 or less as measured by Raman spectroscopy and a carbon purity of about 98% or higher. The carbon nanotubes prepared by the method can be controlled in terms of carbon purity and preparation yield while eliminating the need for post-refining treatment.

Abstract: Provided are carbon fibers which have a thicker single fiber fineness of the polyacrylonitrile-based precursor fiber bundles and lower production costs, and which have excellent mechanical properties. Also provided are: carbon fiber bundles having a single fiber fineness of 0.8-2.1 dtex, a strand strength of 4.9 GPa or greater, and a strand elastic modulus of 200 GPa or greater; carbon fiber bundles having a single fiber fineness of 0.8-2.5 dtex, a strand strength of 3.0 GPa or greater, and a strand elastic modulus of 240 GPa or greater; and an optimal method for producing said carbon fiber bundles. carbon fiber bundles having a single fiber fineness of 0.8-2.5 dtex, a strand strength of 3.0 GPa or greater, and a strand elastic modulus of 240 GPa or greater; and an optimal method for producing said carbon fiber bundles.

Abstract: Robust oiling agent compositions for use in preparing carbon fibers from acrylic polymer carbon fiber precursors contain at least one silicone copolymer minimally containing an organopolysiloxane moiety, a polyoxyalkylene polyether moiety, and at least one internal or terminal urea or urethane group.

Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a graphene fiber and a method of manufacturing the same. The graphene fiber is manufactured by oxidizing graphite, dispersing, spinning, drying and heat treatment, and has a diameter less than 100 ?m, a ratio of length to diameter greater than 10, and a ratio of carbon to oxygen greater than 5. The graphene fiber is formed of a plurality of graphene sheets, which envelop an axis and are coaxially stacked one by one from the axis. The thickness of the graphene sheet is less than 3 nm, and chemical bonds are formed to tightly bond the graphene sheets to exhibit excellent mechanical and thermally/electrically conductive properties. The method of the present invention is implemented by simple steps so as to greatly reduce poisonous chemicals possibly generated in the manufacturing environment, thereby improving the safety of manufacturing and reducing the whole processing time and cost.

Abstract: Select embodiments of the present invention employ biological means to direct assemble CNT-based nanostructures, allowing for scaling to macrostructures for manufacture. In select embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling DNA-functionalized SWNTs by phosphodiester bonding catalyzed by ssDNA-ligase to form macroscopic CNT aggregates.

Abstract: A method for dispersing nanotubes, comprising forming a nanocomposite solution with associated nanotubes and nanoplatelets, mixing a surfactant to the nanocomposite solution, separating the nanocomposite in solution, wherein the nanotubes remain suspended in the surfactant solution, and isolating the nanotubes in solution. In certain instances, the method further comprises functionalizing the nanotubes in solution.

Abstract: Carbon fibers containing at least one element (I) selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni, at least one element (II) selected from the group consisting of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, a lanthanide, Hf, Ta, Re, Os, Ir, Pt and Au, and at least one element (III) selected from the group of W and Mo, wherein the element (II) and the element (III) each is 1 to 100 mol % relative to the mols of element (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.

Abstract: Provided is a method of efficiently producing carbon fibers that can impart sufficient electrical or thermal conductivity to a material even by the addition of a small amount of the carbon fibers. The method of producing carbon fibers involves preparing a catalyst by allowing a carrier composed of silica-titania particles comprising silica in the core and titania in the shell of the particle to support a catalytic element, such as Fe element, Co element, Mo element, or V element, and bringing the catalyst into contact with a carbon element-containing material, such as methane, ethane, ethylene, or acetylene, under heating region at about 500 to 1000° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a high module carbon fiber and a fabrication method thereof. The high module carbon fiber includes the product fabricated by the following steps: subjecting a pre-oxidized carbon fiber to a microwave assisted graphitization process, wherein the pre-oxidized carbon fiber is heated to a graphitization temperature of 1000-3000° C. for 1-30 min. Further, the high module carbon fiber has a tensile strength of between 2.0-6.5 GPa and a module of between 200-650 GPa.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube heat sink includes a board, and a number of first and second carbon nanotubes formed on the board. The first carbon nanotubes and the second nanotubes are grown along a substantially same direction from the board. A height difference exists between a common free end of the first carbon nanotubes and a common free end of the second carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Provided is a viscoelastic body that has small tack, is excellent in handleability, and generates a small amount of outgas even under a high-temperature condition. Also provided is a viscoelastic body that has small tack, is excellent in handleability, and exhibits excellent viscoelasticity in a wide temperature range of from low temperature to high temperature. A viscoelastic body according to one embodiment of the present invention has an outgas amount of 20 mg/cm3 or less when stored at 400° C. for 1 hour. A viscoelastic body according to another embodiment of the present invention has a G? in crimp type viscoelastic spectrum evaluation of 1.0×106 Pa or less in a temperature range of from ?150° C. to 500° C.

Abstract: A novel fine carbon fiber produced by vapor growth, in which a graphite-net plane consisting of carbon atoms alone forms a temple-bell-shaped structural unit including a closed head-top part and a body-part with an open lower-end, in which an angle ? formed by a generatrix of the body-part and a fiber axis is less than 15°, 2 to 30 of the temple-bell-shaped structural units are stacked sharing a central axis to form an aggregate, and the aggregates are connected head-to-tail with a distance to form a fiber. Fine short carbon fibers with excellent dispersibility can be obtained by shortening the fine carbon fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel secondary structure of carbon nanostructures, a bundle thereof and a composite comprising the same. The secondary structure according to the present invention is characterized that it is formed by a plurality of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) assembled to have a tube form in whole or in part. The novel secondary structure according to the present invention, the bundle thereof and the composite comprising the same are highly applicable in fields of energy materials, functional composites, batteries, semiconductors and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a carbon fiber that can be suitably used as a transparent conductive material for forming transparent flexible conductive films and the like, more particularly, to a method for producing a carbon fiber having an outermost surface composed of edges of graphenes, and to a carbon fiber produced by the production method. The production method comprises a step of pre-baking a fiber of an organic compound so as to contain remaining hydrogen, and a step of putting the pre-baked fiber of the organic compound in a closed vessel made of a heat resistant material and subjecting the pre-baked fiber together with the vessel to hot isostatic pressing treatment using a compressed gas atmosphere, wherein a maximum ultimate temperature in the hot isostatic pressing treatment is 1000 to 2000° C.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid materials. In some embodiments, such methods generally include: (1) associating a graphene film with a substrate; (2) applying a catalyst and a carbon source to the graphene film; and (3) growing carbon nanotubes on the graphene film. In some embodiments, the grown carbon nanotubes become covalently linked to the graphene film through carbon-carbon bonds that are located at one or more junctions between the carbon nanotubes and the graphene film. In some embodiments, the grown carbon nanotubes are in ohmic contact with the graphene film through the carbon-carbon bonds at the one or more junctions. In some embodiments, the one or more junctions may include seven-membered carbon rings. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid materials that are formed in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Highly concentrated carbon nanotube or other nano-reinforcement suspensions and/or masses are prepared for use as admixtures in cement base materials to make cementitious composite materials.

Abstract: A unitary graphene-based continuous graphitic fiber comprising at least 90% by weight of graphene planes that are chemically bonded with one another having an inter-planar spacing from 0.3354 to 0.4 nm and an oxygen content of 0.01 to 5% by weight, wherein the graphene planes are parallel to one another and parallel to a fiber axis direction and the graphitic fiber contains no core-shell structure, have no helically arranged graphene domains, and have a porosity level less than 5% by volume. This fiber can be produced by a continuous filament of graphene oxide gel having living graphene oxide molecules or functionalized graphene chains dissolved in a fluid medium. The filament is deposited onto a supporting substrate under a molecule-aligning stress condition along the filament axis direction and then subjected to drying and heating treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides the compound [6]-cycloparaphenylene, cycloparaphenylene intermediates (e.g. [n]macrocycles), and methods for making [n]cycloparaphenylenes and [n]cycloparaphenylene intermediates in quantities not previously available. The cycloparaphenylene compounds and their intermediates can be useful in nanotube preparation and in the preparation of other supramolecular structures.

Abstract: There is provided a high-purity carbon nanotube, which can be produced with simple purification by causing graphite to be hardly contained in crude soot obtained immediately after being synthesized by arc-discharge, and a method for producing the same. Soot containing carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge using an anode which contains amorphous carbon as a main component is heated at a temperature of not lower than 350° C. to be burned and oxidized, immersed in an acid, heated at a temperature, which is not lower than the heating temperature in the previous burning and oxidation and which is not lower than 500° C., to be burned and oxidized, and immersed in an acid again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a composition comprising 10 to 45% of the total solids weight lignin, polyacrylonitrile or a polyacrylonitrile copolymer, and a solvent to form a lignin-based polyacrylonitrile-containing dope and the resulting products. The dope can be processed to produce fibers, including precursor, oxidized and carbonized fibers. The oxidized fibers are of value for their flame resistant properties and carbonized fibers are suitable for use in applications requiring high strength fibers, or to be used to form composite materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for decapping single wall carbon nanotubes and purifying the decapped single wall carbon nanotubes. The disclosed methods include the steps of oxidizing the single wall carbon nanotubes to remove the terminal end cap and subsequently acid washing the single wall carbon nanotubes to remove the catalyst particles. The resulting carbon nanotubes have improved BET surface area and pore volume.

Abstract: A process and system for the controlled thermal conversion of a carbonaceous feedstock, including: exposing the feedstock to one or more predetermined temperatures and one or more predetermined pressures for one or more predetermined amounts of time in one or more chambers to produce a gas product and a solid product, wherein the gas product includes one or more of methane, Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen, and one or more noxious chemicals and the solid product includes Carbon and Carbon nano-structures; sequestration enabling at least a portion of the Carbon by creating associated Lewis Acid Sites; sequestering at least one of the one or more noxious chemicals in the one or more chambers using the sequestration enabled Carbon; and controlling the constituents of the gas product using feedback, thereby providing a predictable and stable gas product from an unknown and/or variable feedstock and communicating data via SmartGrid communications protocols.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a light transmissive film includes the following steps. A film is provided, and the film includes a plurality of nano-units and has a reference direction. In addition, a plurality of first stripes parallel to each other is formed on the film by an energy beam, and the first stripes are neither perpendicular nor parallel to the reference direction.

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: This invention relates to poly(acrylonitrile) homo- or co-polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 200,000 g/mol and a dispersity () of less than 1.

Abstract: High glass transition temperature lignin derivatives and methods of making the same are disclosed herein. In addition, methods for making carbon nanofibers from the lignin derivatives is also provided. The lignin derivatives disclosed herein are suitable for electrospinning and provide increased efficiency in production of carbon nanofibers. The lignin derivatives may be obtained using the methods disclosed herein from pulping processes conducted on lignin stock material.

Abstract: A novel fine carbon fiber is produced by vapor growth, in which a graphite-net plane consisting of carbon atoms alone forms a temple-bell-shaped structural unit comprising closed head-top part and body-part with open lower-end, where an angle ? formed by a generatrix of the body-part and a fiber axis is less than 15°, 2 to 30 of the temple-bell-shaped structural units are stacked sharing a central axis to form an aggregate, and the aggregates are connected in head-to-tail style with a distance, thereby forming a fiber. Furthermore, a fine short carbon fibers with excellent dispersibility can be obtained by shortening the fine carbon fiber.

Abstract: Provided is an aggregate of carbon nanotubes satisfying (1) there is a 2? peak at 24°±2° by X-ray powder diffraction analysis; (2) a height ratio (G/D ratio) of G band to D band by Raman spectroscopic analysis of wavelength 532 nm is 30 or more; and (3) a combustion peak temperature is from 550° C. to 700° C. The present invention provides an aggregate of carbon nanotubes excellent in dispersibility while high quality, giving a film, molded article, membrane or the like having excellent characteristics.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming a solution of single-walled carbon nanotube polyelectrolytes in a liquid crystalline phase. In some embodiments, such methods comprise: (a) providing single-walled carbon nanotube polyelectrolytes; and (b) mixing the single-walled polyelectrolytes with a polar aprotic solvent to form a mixture, where the mixing results in the formation of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the liquid crystalline phase. In some embodiments, the polar aprotic solvent comprises crown ether. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of making single-walled carbon nanotube fibers. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a method of making a single walled carbon nanotube composite. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to an article comprising neat aligned carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: This carbon nanofiber is produced by a vapor phase reaction of a carbon oxide-containing raw material gas using a friend oxide powder including a Co oxide as a catalyst, wherein at least one type selected from metal cobalt, carbon-containing cobalt metals, and cobalt-carbon compounds is contained (encapsulated) in the fiber in a wrapped state. This method for producing a carbon nanofiber includes: producing a carbon nanofiber by, a vapor phase reaction of a carbon oxide-containing raw material gas using a mixed powder of a Co oxide and a Mg oxide as a catalyst, wherein a mixed powder of CoO and MgO, which is obtained by hydrogen-reducing a mixed powder of Co3O4 and MgO using a reduction gas having a hydrogen concentration in which metal cobalt is not generated, is used as the catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon fiber manufacturing method including a surface treatment step of ejecting an ozone solution in which ozone is dissolved in solvent from a fluid ejecting port toward a carbon fiber bundle and causing the ozone solution to pass between single fibers of the carbon fiber bundle so as to contact surfaces of the single fibers so that the surfaces of carbon fibers are treated by the ozone solution. Also, provided is a carbon fiber subjected to a surface treatment by the carbon fiber manufacturing method.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for forming carbon nanofiber, including a base material containing an oxygen ion-conductive oxide, and a metal catalyst that is provided on one surface side of the base material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a continuous lignin fiber from softwood and/or hardwood alkali lignin. The lignin fiber can be further treated to obtain structural carbon fiber.

Abstract: There are provided carbon nanotube fibers having excellent mechanical property and a method for producing the same. In a long carbon nanotube fiber 11 in which a plurality of carbon nanotubes 12 are assembled, the carbon nanotubes 12 comprise a diameter ranging from 0.4 to 100 nm and are oriented in an angle ranging from 0 to 5° with respect to axial direction of the carbon nanotube fiber 11.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mesoporous carbon supported copper based catalyst comprising mesoporous carbon, a copper component and an auxiliary element supported on said mesoporous carbon, production and use thereof. The catalyst is cheap in cost, friendly to the environment, and satisfactory in high temperature resistance to sintering, with a highly improved and a relatively stable catalytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions, methods, and systems for separating carbon-based nanostructures.

Abstract: Provided is an assembly including a block co-polymer film and a plurality of nano-rods; where the plurality of nano-rods are oriented at the surface of the block co-polymer film, substantially perpendicular to at least one interface between block co-polymer domains. Further provided are methods of assembly formation and devices including such assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes comprising: a preparatory step of a supported catalyst; a temperature-raising step of inserting the supported catalyst into a reactor, injecting hydrocarbon gas and hydrogen gas at the same time, and raising the temperature of the reactor to between 900 to 1000° C. to synthesize carbon nanotubes; and a temperature-lowering step of lowering the temperature of the reactor to between a room temperature to 200° C., injecting only hydrogen gas, and synthesizing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes manufactured by the above method have high purity, and excellent selectivity for double wall carbon nanotubes can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for forming a vapor-grown graphite fibers (VGGF) composition and a VGGF composition formed by the method are provided. In this method, a transition metal compound catalyst and three organic co-catalysts are mixed with a hydrocarbon compound, and then are delivered into a tubular reactor and pyrolized and graphitized to produce the VGGF composition. The VGGF composition includes a carbon ingredient containing a carbon content of at least 99.9 wt %. The carbon ingredient has a graphitization degree of at least 75%, and the carbon ingredient includes non-fibrous carbon and fibrous VGGF, wherein an area ratio of the non-fibrous carbon to the fibrous VGGF is about equal to or smaller than 5%. The fibrous VGGF include graphite fibers having a 3-D linkage structure, wherein the content of the graphite fibers having the 3-D linkage structure in the fibrous VGGF is about between 5 area % and 50 area %.

Abstract: A gas filter comprises a housing (30) having a gas inlet (55), a gas outlet (65) and at least one chamber (70) therebetween containing carbon nanotubes (110). The chamber (70) has a port (90) and is configured for simultaneous gas ingress to and gas egress from the carbon nanotubes (110) through the port (90).

Abstract: Methods for growing a three-dimensional nanorod network in three-dimensional growth spaces, including highly confined spaces, are provided. The methods are derived from atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes, but use higher temperatures and extended pulsing and/or purging times. Through these methods, networks of nanorods can be grown uniformly along the entire inner surfaces of confined growth spaces.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of graphene is provided, which includes: (a) oxidizing a graphite material to form graphite oxide; (b) dispersing graphite oxide into water to form an aqueous suspension of graphite oxide; (c) adding a dispersing agent to the aqueous suspension of graphite oxide; and (d) adding an acidic reducing agent to the aqueous suspension of graphite oxide, wherein graphite oxide is reduced to graphene by the acidic reducing agent, and graphene is further bonded with the dispersing agent to form a graphene dispersion containing a surface-modified graphene. The present invention provides a method for the preparation of graphene using an acidic reducing agent. The obtained graphene can be homogeneously dispersed in water, an acidic solution, a basic solution, or an organic solution.

Abstract: A method of cutting, thinning, welding and chemically functionalizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with carboxyl and allyl moieties, and altering the electrical properties of the CNT films by applying high current densities combined with air-exposure is developed and demonstrated. Such welded high-conductance CNT networks of functionalized CNTs could be useful for device and sensor applications, and may serve as high mechanical toughness mat fillers that are amenable to integration with nanocomposite matrices.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon nanotube array on a substrate is disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises depositing a composite catalyst layer on the substrate, oxidizing the composite catalyst layer, reducing the oxidized composite catalyst layer, and growing the array on the composite catalyst layer. The composite catalyst layer may comprise a group VIII element and a non-catalytic element deposited onto the substrate from an alloy. In another embodiment, the composite catalyst layer comprises alternating layers of iron and a lanthanide, preferably gadolinium or lanthanum. The composite catalyst layer may be reused to grow multiple carbon nanotube arrays without additional processing of the substrate. The method may comprise bulk synthesis by forming carbon nanotubes on a plurality of particulate substrates having a composite catalyst layer comprising the group VIII element and the non-catalytic element. In another embodiment, the composite catalyst layer is deposited on both sides of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) dissolving a first amount of a first transition-metal salt and a second amount of a second transition-metal salt in water to form a solution; (b) adding a third amount of tannin to the solution to form a mixture; (c) heating the mixture to a first temperature for a first duration of time to form a sample; and (d) subjecting the sample to a microwave radiation for a second duration of time effective to produce a plurality of carbon nanotubes.