Product Patents (Class 423/447.2)
  • Publication number: 20140147372
    Abstract: An electrostatic printing method such as laser printing can be employed for cost-effective and scalable patterning of nanostructure growth catalysts onto growth substrates, either directly or via one or more transfer substrates. Particles comprising a nanostructure growth catalyst are deposited onto the substrate in an electrostatically defined growth pattern. Another aspect of the method includes pressing a mixture of a nanostructure growth catalyst and a binder against the substrate to bond the mixture to the substrate. Nanostructures are grown from the deposited pattern in known nanostructure growth environments. The method allows a user to define a nanostructure growth pattern using familiar, user-friendly computer programs such as word processors, CAD, or other graphics software. Carbon nanotube forests can be grown from magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) toner printed on or transferred to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Anastasios John Hart, Erik Polsen
  • Patent number: 8734754
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. León y León
  • Publication number: 20140141248
    Abstract: A method for production of various morphologies of solid carbon product by reducing carbon oxides with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The carbon oxides are typically either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The reducing agent is typically either a hydrocarbon gas or hydrogen. The desired morphology of the solid carbon product may be controlled by the specific catalysts, reaction conditions, and optional additives used in the reduction reaction. The resulting solid carbon products have many commercial applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SEERSTONE LLC
    Inventor: Dallas B. Noyes
  • Publication number: 20140127122
    Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon nanotube-containing compositions that have increased viscosity and stability. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for manufacturing carbon nanotube films and layers that provide superior electrical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: EIKOS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Glatkowski, Joseph W. Piche, C. Michael Trottier, David J. Arthur, Philip Wallis, JIAZHONG LUO
  • Patent number: 8715607
    Abstract: Metallic CNTs and semiconducting CNTs are efficiently separated from a CNT mixture of these CNTs, and semiconducting CNTs are separated by structure by using a method that enables separation in high yield in a short time period while conveniently enabling mass processing and automatic processing with inexpensive equipment. Multiple columns charged with gel are connected in series, and excess amounts of a CNT dispersion is passed through the columns to adsorb only the CNTs of a specific structure on the columns. The CNTs are then eluted with an elution to separate CNTs of different structures with high accuracy. The present technique represents a method that conveniently enables mass processing and automatic processing at high yield in a short time period with inexpensive equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Huaping Liu, Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura
  • Publication number: 20140120027
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a high-resolution conductive pattern. A conductive film formation method for forming a conductive film in a prescribed pattern comprises: a step in which a conductive carbon nanotube layer is formed; and an ultraviolet ray irradiation step in which areas of the conductive carbon nanotube layer formed in the above step, other than parts corresponding to the prescribed pattern, are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Conductive carbon nanotubes in the ultraviolet ray irradiation areas turn insulating. Conductive carbon nanotubes in ultraviolet ray non-irradiation areas retain their conductive property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Tanabe, Tomiaki Otake, Hiroshi Matsugi
  • Patent number: 8709122
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an oxygenated biochar material possessing a cation-exchanging property, wherein a biochar source is reacted with one or more oxygenating compounds in such a manner that the biochar source homogeneously acquires oxygen-containing cation-exchanging groups in an incomplete combustion process. The invention is also directed to oxygenated biochar compositions and soil formulations containing the oxygenated biochar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Lee, Archibald C. Buchanan, III, Barbara R. Evans, Michelle K. Kidder
  • Patent number: 8703091
    Abstract: A high modulus graphite fiber with a tensile modulus of 270˜650 GPa and a plurality of crystal structures with a thickness (Lc) of 20˜70 angstroms is disclosed. Carbon fiber is used as a raw material, and a microwave focusing method is used to perform an ultra quick high temperature graphitization process to increase the temperature of the carbon fiber at a heating speed of 10˜100° C. per minute to a graphitization temperature of 1400˜3000° C., and then to perform a quick graphitization process for 0.5˜10 minutes to form the high modulus graphite fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: UHT Unitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Wang
  • Patent number: 8703090
    Abstract: Methods for producing macroscopic quantities of oxidized graphene nanoribbons are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes and reacting the plurality of carbon nanotubes with at least one oxidant to form oxidized graphene nanoribbons. The at least one oxidant is operable to longitudinally open the carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one acid. In some embodiments, the reacting step takes place in the presence of at least one protective agent. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also include methods for producing reduced graphene nanoribbons by reacting oxidized graphene nanoribbons with at least one reducing agent. Oxidized graphene nanoribbons, reduced graphene nanoribbons and compositions and articles derived therefrom are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Dmitry V. Kosynkin, Amanda Higginbotham, Brandi Katherine Price
  • Patent number: 8697026
    Abstract: Provided is a method of electrophoresis of carbon nanotube for separating them into metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes, and the method comprises a step of electrifying a carbon nanotube sealed gel in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a gel. According to the separation method, metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT may be efficiently and heavily separated and purified from each other in CNT containing both the two within a short period of time and in a simplified manner by the use of inexpensive facilities and according to a simple process, and the method can be readily scaled up, in which CNT can be separated industrially extremely advantageously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura, Hehua Jin, Yasumitsu Miyata
  • Publication number: 20140099505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid). In various embodiments, the present invention provides fibers comprising the esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid) blend, carbon fibers made therefrom, and methods of making the fiber and the carbon fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Thunga, Keke Chen, Michael Richard Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140093728
    Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. The carbon nanostructure can be released from a growth substrate in the form of a flake material. Optionally, the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanostructure can be coated, such as with a polymer, or a filler material can be present within the porosity of the carbon nanostructure. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include providing a carbon nanostructure adhered to a growth substrate, and removing the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate to form a carbon nanostructure that is free of the growth substrate. Various techniques can be used to affect removal of the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate. Isolation of the carbon nanostructure can further employ various wet and/or dry separation techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Nanostructured Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tushar K. SHAH, Harry Charles Malecki, Rajneeta Rachel Basantkumar, Han Liu, Corey Adam Fleischer, Joseph J. Sedlak, Jigar M. Patel, William Patrick Burgess, Jess Michael Goldfinger
  • Patent number: 8685362
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anode for lithium secondary battery comprising vapor grown carbon fiber uniformly dispersed without forming an agglomerate of 10 ?m or larger in an anode active material using natural graphite or artificial graphite, which anode is excellent in long cycle life and large current characteristics. Composition used for production for the anode can be produced, for example, by mixing a thickening agent solution containing an anode active material, a thickening agent aqueous solution and styrene butadiene rubber as binder with a composition containing carbon fiber dispersed in a thickening agent with a predetermined viscosity or by mixing an anode active material with vapor grown carbon fiber in dry state and then adding polyvinylidene difluoride thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Masataka Takeuchi, Chiaki Sotowa
  • Patent number: 8679444
    Abstract: A method for production of various morphologies of solid carbon product by reducing carbon oxides with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The carbon oxides are typically either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The reducing agent is typically either a hydrocarbon gas or hydrogen. The desired morphology of the solid carbon product may be controlled by the specific catalysts, reaction conditions, and optional additives used in the reduction reaction. The resulting solid carbon products have many commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Seerstone LLC
    Inventor: Dallas B. Noyes
  • Publication number: 20140079630
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for visualizing particular tissues and delivering one or more therapeutics to that tissue using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which are taken up and delivered to target tissues by specific monocytes in the body. The delivery of SWNT to target tissues allows the visualization of the affected tissue for diagnostics and therapy in diseases where the specific monocyte is implicated in the disease pathogenesis. These nanotubes can be conjugated to a peptide, such as RGD, which helps direct the SWNT-containing monocytes to the vascular endothelium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Bryan R. Smith, Eliver Ghosn
  • Patent number: 8673445
    Abstract: A composite-plated article has a metallic material and a plating film coated on the metallic material in a nickel-plating bath containing carbon nanocomposite fibers. Each of the carbon nanocomposite fibers is formed of a carbon nanofiber core and microparticles that react with carbon to form a compound bonded to a surface of the carbon nanofiber core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8673258
    Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing an enhanced carbon nanotube (CNT) assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an enhanced CNT assembly comprises preparing a metal tip, preparing a CNT plus transition-metal colloidal solution, forming a CNT plus transition-metal composite assembly by using the prepared metal tip and CNT plus transition-metal colloidal solution, and growing the CNT plus transition-metal composite assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Yong Hyup Kim, Eui Yun Jang
  • Publication number: 20140072505
    Abstract: The present invention is related to layered multiphase catalyst supports and to their use for production of helical carbon nanotubes. The metal(s) catalysts are deposited either by impregnation or by precipitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Antonio Fonseca, Danilo Vuono, Janos B.Nagy
  • Publication number: 20140056800
    Abstract: Problem To provide a process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes with which highly pure, high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes can be produced with high efficiency, and to provide a transparent conductive film using the single-walled carbon nanotubes obtained by that production method. Solution A process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), wherein particles of a nonmetallic material containing 500 ppm or lower of metallic impurities including metals and compounds thereof are used as growth nuclei; and after a growth gas is introduced into a furnace used for growing carbon nanotubes, the growth gas used in an initial stage of growth of carbon nanotubes and the growth gas used in a stage of growth of regular carbon nanotubes (stationary growth stage) thereafter are prepared to different compositions and different partial pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicants: NIPPON KAYAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kobayashi, Ryota Negishi, Shoji Koriyama, Shogo Agata, Kazuki Fujimoto, Michiharu Arifuku, Masaki Shinmoto, Masahiro Imaizumi, Noriko Kiyoyanagi
  • Publication number: 20140054179
    Abstract: Provided are carbon fibers with low metal ion elution amount without subjecting to high-temperature heat treatment, in which the metal ion may be sometimes precipitated on an electrode of electrochemical devices such as batteries and capacitors to cause short-circuit. The carbon fibers comprises Fe, at least one catalyst metal selected from the group consisting of Mo and V, and a carrier; wherein the carbon fibers have an R value (ID/IG) as measured by Raman spectrometry of 0.5 to 2.0 and have an electrochemical metal elution amount of not more than 0.01% by mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji YAMAMOTO, Yuusuke Yamada, Takeshi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140044963
    Abstract: A vapor-grown graphite fibers (VGGF) composition and a mixture containing the VGGF composition and applications thereof are provided. 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 measured by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) 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 measured by the SEM is about between 5 area % and 50 area %. The VGGF composition and its mixture are applied to the composite materials, thereby promoting the strength, electric and thermal conductivity of the composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YONGYU APPLIED TECHNOLOGY MATERIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chun-Shan WANG, Teng-Hui WANG
  • Publication number: 20140037533
    Abstract: A high modulus graphite fiber with a tensile modulus of 270˜650 GPa and a plurality of crystal structures with a thickness (Lc) of 20˜70 angstroms is disclosed. Carbon fiber is used as a raw material, and a microwave focusing method is used to perform an ultra quick high temperature graphitization process to increase the temperature of the carbon fiber at a heating speed of 10˜100° C. per minute to a graphitization temperature of 1400˜3000° C., and then to perform a quick graphitization process for 0.5˜10 minutes to form the high modulus graphite fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: CHIH-YUNG WANG
  • Patent number: 8642167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Karl Tsotsis
  • Publication number: 20140030183
    Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a desired diameter are selectively produced by reacting a carbon source with a cyclic compound in which multiple aromatic rings are continuously bonded. The reaction is preferably performed by supplying a gaseous carbon source under reduced pressure and heating. The cyclic compound in which multiple aromatic rings are continuously bonded is preferably a cyclic compound in which bivalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups are continuously bonded, or a modified cycloparaphenylene compound in which a cycloparaphenylene compound or at least one phenylene group of the cycloparaphenylene compound is substituted with a condensed cyclic group such as a naphthylene group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kenichiro Itami, Yasutomo Segawa, Hisanori Shinohara, Ryo Kitaura
  • Publication number: 20140023581
    Abstract: Methods of extracting recycling carbon fibers are provided. Method of extracting and recycling carbon fibers with furan-2-carbaldehyde are provided and systems for performing the same are also provided. Compositions comprising resin composites, carbon fibers, and/or furan-2-carbaldehyde are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Georgius Abidal Adam
  • Publication number: 20140017417
    Abstract: Problem to be Solved The present invention is a transparent conductive film characterized in that: a major component of the transparent conductive film is a single-walled carbon nanotube; the single-walled carbon nanotubes are present in a bundle state; and a rope-like shape, which is a state where the bundles are gathered together, can be confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation. The present invention is also a method for producing a liquid crystal alignment film using a transparent electrode substrate, with an electrode layer being the aforementioned transparent conductive film. According to the invention, a transparent electrode substrate with high wettability can be obtained, and further a method for producing an alignment film by which a uniform alignment film can be obtained without deteriorating an electrical characteristic is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro KITANO, Masayasu OGUSHI
  • Patent number: 8628747
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are formed by providing metal composite particles including a catalyst metal and a non-catalyst metal, where the catalyst metal catalyzes the decomposition of a hydrocarbon compound and the formation of carbon nanotube structures on surfaces of the particles. The metal composite particles are combined with the hydrocarbon compound in a heated environment so as to form carbon nanotube structures on the surfaces of the metal composite particles. The metal composite particles can be include iron and aluminum at varying amounts. The carbon nanotubes formed on the metal particles can remain on the metal particles or, alternatively, be removed from the metal particles for use in different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maryland College Park
    Inventors: Michael R. Zachariah, Soo H. Kim
  • Publication number: 20130344396
    Abstract: In various embodiments an improved binder composition, electrolyte composition and a separator film composition using discrete carbon nanotubes, their methods of production and utility for energy storage and collection devices, like batteries, capacitors and photovoltaics, is described. The binder, electrolyte, or separator composition can further comprise polymers. The discrete carbon nanotubes further comprise at least a portion of the tubes being open ended and/or functionalized. The utility of the binder, electrolyte or separator film composition includes improved capacity, power or durability in energy storage and collection devices. The utility of the electrolyte and or separator film compositions includes improved ion transport in energy storage and collection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Clive P. Bosnyak, Kurt W. Swogger, Milos Marinkovic
  • Publication number: 20130343982
    Abstract: A process for making multi-walled carbon nanotubes includes contacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an electron beam-treated fly ash catalyst. The electron beam-treated fly ash catalyst contains a total amount of iron oxide and vanadium oxide of up to 5 wt. %. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes may be formed in a low pressure chemical vapor deposition apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hashem M. A. ALHEBSHI
  • Publication number: 20130337707
    Abstract: The present invention is a carbon nanotube aggregate having a three-dimensional shape. The carbon nanotube aggregate having a three-dimensional shape includes a first surface, a second surface and a side surface, wherein a carbon nanotube of the first surface has a Herman orientation coefficient greater than ?0.1 and smaller than 0.2, a carbon nanotube of the second surface has a Herman orientation coefficient greater than ?0.1 and smaller than 0.2, and a carbon nanotube of the side surface has degree of orientation in which a Herman orientation coefficient is 0.2 or more and 0.99 or less, and the first surface and second surface are mutually arranged in parallel and the side surface is perpendicular with respect to the first surface and second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kenji HATA, Don N. FUTABA
  • Publication number: 20130320273
    Abstract: Implantable electrically conductive devices are provided having a nanocomposite material coating comprising gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes. Such an implantable device may be a neural or other implantable prosthesis, including microelectrodes for use in vivo. The devices may have dimensions on a cellular scale. Further, the devices may be highly flexible and electrically conductive, while also having low impedance and high storage charge capacity. Layer-by-layer methods for fabricating such nanocomposite materials for implantable devices are also provided. Methods for direct-write lithography patterning of such nanocomposite material coatings are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Kotov, Huanan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8597605
    Abstract: A method for removing impurities from carbon nanotubes is described. Impurities may be removed from the carbon nanotubes by exposing the carbon nanotubes to a temperature, and controlling the temperature such that the temperature is constantly increasing to remove at least a portion of the impurities from the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Temple University—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Nikolay N. Dementev, Eric U. Borguet
  • Publication number: 20130316160
    Abstract: A CNT dispersion liquid of the preset invention includes a CNT agglomerate arranged with a mesh body formed from a plurality of CNTs, the CNT agglomerate being dispersed in a dispersion medium is provided wherein a CNT agglomerate is obtained by extracting from the dispersion liquid and drying the CNT agglomerate the obtained CNT agglomerate has a pore size of 0.02 ?m or more and 2.0 ?m or less being maximized a differential pore volume in a pore size range of 0.002 ?m or more and 10.00 ?m or less measured using a mercury intrusion porosimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kenji HATA, Kazufumi KOBASHI, Don N. FUTABA
  • Patent number: 8591859
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. León y León
  • Patent number: 8591858
    Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing high quality carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are provided. The method provides the means for optimization of amount of carbon precursor and transport gas per unit weight of catalyst. In certain aspects, methods are provided wherein a supported metal catalyst is contacted with a carbon precursor gas at about one atmosphere pressure, wherein SWNTs are synthesized at a growth rate of about 0.002 ?m/sec to about 0.003 ?m/sec and the SWNTs have a ratio of G-band to D-band in Raman spectra (IG:ID) of greater than about 4. Efficiencies of about 20% can be achieved when contacting the catalyst deposited on a support with a carbon precursor gas with a flow rates of about 4.2×10?3 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) at 780° C. Hydrocarbon flow rates of about 1.7 10?2 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) and higher result in faster carbon SWNTs growth with improved quality. Slower rates of carbon atoms supply (˜4.5×1020 C atoms/s·g Fe or 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Avetik R. Harutyunyan, Elena Mora
  • Patent number: 8591857
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a carbon aerogel from agglomerated carbon nanotubes, that comprises the following steps: (A) preparing an aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes in water in the presence of a dispersing agent; (B) forming a foam from the nanotubes aqueous dispersion of step (A) by bulking under the action of a gas in the presence of a foaming agent; and (C) freezing the foam obtained in step (B) and removing the water by sublimation. The invention also relates to the carbon aerogels thus obtained, and to their use essentially as partition materials or biomaterials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Renal Backov, Pierre Delhaes, Florent Carn, Celine Leroy
  • Publication number: 20130302238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same, and more specifically, to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same, in which the apparatus includes i) a reactor for synthesizing the carbon nanotube; ii) a separator for separating a mixed gas and the carbon nanotube transferred from the reactor; iii) a gas separation unit including more than one polymer membrane for removing in part or in whole of more than one component gas from the mixed gas separated; and iv) a recirculation pipe for recirculating the mixed gas without in part or in whole of the component gas to the reactor of carbon nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang-Hyun Chang, Jin-Do Kim, Kwang-Woo Yoon
  • Patent number: 8581158
    Abstract: An electrically conductive coating composition is provided for use on aircraft and other substrate surfaces to prevent the formation of ice or to melt ice. The conductive coating composition may include a nanomaterial such as carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent which may be applied to a substrate surface to form a thin film which is resistively heatable. The conductive coating may also comprise a nanomaterial formed from carbon nanotubes or fullerenes grafted to a polymer containing an active functional group which renders a substrate surface icephobic and is also resistively heatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Amy M. Heintz, Anne-Claire Christiaen, Bhima Rao Vijayendran, Joel D. Elhard, Ramanathan S. Lalgudi, Wayne B. Robbins, Abhishek Gupta, Jeffrey Cafmeyer
  • Patent number: 8580223
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
    Inventors: Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, Subi Jacob George, Rakesh Voggu, Kotagiri Venkata Rao
  • Patent number: 8580436
    Abstract: Methods of oxidizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes are provided. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes are oxidized by contacting the carbon nanotubes with gas-phase oxidizing agents such as CO2, O2, steam, N2O, NO, NO2, O3, and ClO2. Near critical and supercritical water can also be used as oxidizing agents. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes oxidized according to methods of the invention can be used to prepare rigid porous structures which can be utilized to form electrodes for fabrication of improved electrochemical capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunming Niu, David Moy, Asif Chishti, Robert Hoch
  • Patent number: 8574533
    Abstract: A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, comprises: a carbon material having a sphericity of at least 0.8, and exhibiting an average (002) interlayer spacing d002 of 0.365-0.400 nm, a crystallite size in a c-axis direction Lc(002) of 1.0-3.0 nm, as measured by X-ray diffractometry, a hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio (H/C) of at most 0.1 as measured by elementary analysis, and an average particle size Dv50 of 1-20 ?m. The negative electrode material is spherical and exhibits excellent performances including high output performance and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kureha Corporation
    Inventors: Naohiro Sonobe, Hiroshi Ohta, Takahiro Akita
  • Patent number: 8562934
    Abstract: A surface of a substrate comprising microcavities leading out of the substrate is placed in contact with an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of suspended particles and a fabric. Perpendicular pressure is applied the expanse of the substrate between the fabric and the surface of the substrate, and relative movement of the fabric and the surface is applied to the expanse of the substrate. At least one particle is thus fed into each microcavity, therein forming a porous material that is a catalyst material for nanothread or nanotube growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Coiffic, Maurice Rivoire
  • Publication number: 20130273446
    Abstract: An electrode comprises an acid treated, cathodically cycled carbon-comprising film or body. The carbon consists of single walled nanotubes (SWNTs), pyrolytic graphite, microcrystalline graphitic, any carbon that consists of more than 99% sp2 hybridized carbons, or any combination thereof. The electrode can be used in an electrochemical device functioning as an electrolyser for evolution of hydrogen or as a fuel cell for oxidation of hydrogen. The electrochemical device can be coupled as a secondary energy generator into a system with a primary energy generator that naturally undergoes generation fluctuations. During periods of high energy output, the primary source can power the electrochemical device to store energy as hydrogen, which can be consumed to generate electricity as the secondary source during low energy output by the primary source. Solar cells, wind turbines and water turbines can act as the primary energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gabriel Rinzler, Rajib Kumar Das, Wang Yan, Hai-Ping Cheng
  • Patent number: 8557212
    Abstract: Provided are a CNT-mesoporous silica composite, a CNT-mesoporous carbon composite, a supported catalyst using the CNT-mesoporous carbon composite as a support, and a fuel cell using the supported catalyst as the anode, cathode, or both anode and cathode. The CNT-mesoporous carbon composite is prepared using the CNT-mesoporous silica composite. The CNT-mesoporous carbon composite has a high electrical conductivity due to the CNTs contained therein, and thus, when the CNT-mesoporous carbon composite is used in an electrode of a fuel cell, the fuel cell has a remarkably improved performance relative to the conventional catalyst support which does not contain CNTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang, Dae-jong Yoo, Ji-man Kim
  • Patent number: 8545790
    Abstract: Cross-linked carbon nanotube arrays forming a three-dimensional structure and methods of use including high thermal conductivity, high strength applications where repeated cycling is known, and chemical storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Konesky
  • Publication number: 20130251619
    Abstract: A method for producing an aggregated thread structure includes (a) a process of dispersing carbon nanotube to a first solvent, which is water or a mixed solvent containing organic solvent and water, with a surfactant, to create a dispersion and (b) a process of injecting the dispersion, in which carbon nanotube is dispersed, to a condensing liquid, which is a second solvent that differs from the first solvent, to thereby aggregate and spin carbon nanotube. The aggregated thread structure containing carbon nanotube has: a bulk density of 0.5 g/cm3 or more; a weight reduction rate up to 450° C. of 50% or less; a G/D ratio for resonance Raman scattering measurement of 10 or more; and an electric conductivity of 50 S/cm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki RIKIHISA, Masato TACHIBANA, Michihiro SHIMADA, Kinji ASAKA, Ken MUKAI, Takushi SUGINO
  • Publication number: 20130244019
    Abstract: A CNT aggregate formed from a plurality of CNT's is provided, the CNT aggregate having a storage modulus (G25° C.?) at 25° C. obtained by a dynamic mechanical analysis in a 1 Hz frequency in shear-mode of 104 Pa or more and 109 Pa or less, a loss modulus (G25° C.?) at 25° C. obtained by a dynamic mechanical analysis in a 1 Hz frequency in shear-mode of 103 Pa or more and 108 Pa or less, a damping ratio (tan ?(=G25° C.?/G25° C.?)) at 25° C. obtained by a dynamic mechanical analysis in a 1 Hz frequency in shear-mode of 10?3 or more and 1 or less, and a distribution maximum of a pore diameter calculated using a BJH method from an adsorption isotherm of liquid nitrogen of the CNT aggregate being 50 nm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science Technology
    Inventors: Kenji HATA, Don N. FUTABA, Ming XU
  • Patent number: 8535635
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing carbon cylindrical structures, as represented by carbon nanotubes, by growing them on a substrate using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, comprising the steps of implanting metal ions to the substrate surface and then growing the carbon cylindrical structures using the metal ions as a catalyst. A method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes comprising a step of using nano-carbon material as seed material for growing carbon nanotubes is also disclosed. A biopolymer detection device comprising vibration inducing part for inducing vibration, binding part capable of resonating with the vibration induced by the vibration inducing part and capable of binding or interacting with a target biopolymer, and detection part for detecting whether or not the binding part have bound or interacted with the target biopolymer, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Awano, Akio Kawabata, Shozo Fujita
  • Patent number: 8530035
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube precursor includes a strip-shaped carbon nanotube array comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The strip-shaped carbon nanotube array is defined by dividing a carbon nanotube array with a separating line. A length of the strip-shaped carbon nanotube array is greater than a largest width of the carbon nanotube array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20130224483
    Abstract: The present invention provides CNT, in particular CNT having inherent properties thereof, which has a thin wall and does not form a bundle, and an efficient production method of the CNT. The method is for producing CNT, the whole length or a part thereof is compressed to form a band, said method comprises preparing a powdery and/or particulate material of an organic compound pre-baked to an extent of containing remaining hydrogen and allowed to carry a catalyst, which may be a transition metal, other metal or other element, thereon; charging the powdery and/or particulate material of the organic compound in a closed vessel made of a heat resistant material; and subjecting the powdery and/or particulate material of the organic compound together with the vessel to hot isostatic pressing treatment using a compressed gas atmosphere, wherein a maximum ultimate temperature at the hot isostatic pressing treatment is 750 to 1200° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: INCUBATION ALLIANCE, INC
    Inventor: Kazuo Muramatsu