Abstract: A carbon nanotubes-like material is disclosed. The carbon nanotubes-like material comprises bacterial cellulose carbonized under an oxygen-free atmosphere. Also disclosed is a cathode material containing bacterial cellulose and LiFePO4, an anode material containing carbonized bacterial cellulose, a separator membrane containing aldehyde-treated bacterial cellulose, and a lithium battery containing a component comprising bacterial cellulose.

Abstract: Provided is a production process for a carbonized product characterized by comprising the following steps (a) to (b): (a) a step in which metal-made or ceramic-made plural granular matters are charged into a heat treating apparatus which is maintained at a temperature of 400° C. or higher and 700° C. or lower and allowed to move therein and in which a carbonized product precursor is fed into the above apparatus and subjected to heat treatment, whereby the carbonized product is adhered on the surface of the above granular matters and (b) a step in which the carbonized product adhered on the surface of the granular matters is heated at a higher temperature than the heat treating temperature in the step (a) and 900° C. or lower, whereby the carbonized product is separated from the granular matters. The present invention provides a production process for an inexpensive and useful carbonized product by simple apparatus and steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosetting resin composite material excellent in mechanical strength and wear resistance at high temperature, which is achieved by converting graphite into thin-layered one and dispersing it in a thermosetting resin homogeneously. A thermosetting resin composite material, wherein an organically modified graphite having an organic compound molecule inserted between graphite layers is mixed with a thermosetting resin, the organically modified graphite being prepared by subjecting graphite to a chemical treatment to form a graphite interlayer compound having a low-molecular substance inserted between graphite layers and subsequently immersing the resultant product in a solution of an organically modifying agent, as well as a process for producing the same. Preferably, the organically modified graphite is mixed with a thermosetting resin to be converted into thin-layered one having a layer thickness of 0.

Abstract: A method for producing vapor grown carbon, including mixing a raw material gas containing an organic compound and an organo-transition metallic compound preliminarily heated preferably to a temperature of 100 to 450° C. with a carrier gas heated preferably to a temperature of 700 to 1,600° C., and introducing the resultant gas mixture into a carbon fiber production zone, wherein preferably a mixture of an aromatic compound and acetylene, ethylene, or butadiene is used as an organic compound. The method can include dissolving the transition metallic compound in a solvent, atomizing the resultant solution into fine droplets, evaporating the solvent in the droplets to thereby obtain fine particles of the transition metal compound, and introducing the drifting particles with an organic compound gas into the carbon fiber production zone. Vapor grown carbon fiber is thereby produced.

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: The present invention discloses ultra-fine fibrous carbon and preparation of the same. Specifically, the present ultra-fine fibrous carbon is characterized by the graphite-like structure with the sp2 hybrid carbon content of more than 95% per total content; the (002) plane interlayer spacing (d002, d-spacing of C(002) profiles determined by X-ray diffraction method) of 0.3370-0.3700 nm; the (002) plane stacking of more than 4 layers, namely the stacking height (Lc002) of more than 1.5 nm; fibrous carbon length per fibrous carbon width of diameter (aspect ratio) of more than 20; the average diameter of 5˜50 nm.

Abstract: A method of making a carbon fiber from softwood alkaline black liquor lignin by acetylating the lignin to provide a meltable and drawable lignin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods by which carbon nanotubes can be functionalized under solvent-free conditions. As extremely large quantities are typically required to dissolve or disperse carbon nanotubes, solvent elimination the processes more favorable for scale-up. Such processes are also amenable to a wide variety of chemical reactions are functionalizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a carbon nanotube material. In the present invention, a mixture of polyolefin and modified montmorillonite is used as the carbon source. Under the action of a catalyst, a carbon nanotube is synthesized in air. The present invention can address the problem of “white pollution” caused by waste plastics, such as waste polyolefin polymers.

Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. A carbon nanotube structure such as a rigid porous structure is formed from single walled carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the carbon nanotube structure. The loaded carbon nanotube is preferably ground to powder form.

Abstract: A method for making ultra-fine carbon fibers and activated ultra-fine carbon fibers includes core-sheath melt-spinning to produce a core-sheath fiber including a sheath made of polyolefin and a carbon-containing polymer, and a core made of a polyolefin polymer. Under control of temperature, the core-sheath fiber is stabilized as a carbon-containing precursor fiber. The stabilized core-sheath fiber is carbonized in nitrogen at 600 to 1500 degrees Celsius and converted into ultra-fine carbon fibers with a diameter of 20 to 800 nm. Then, the ultra-fine carbon fibers are activated in carbon dioxide, steam, air or any combination thereof at 600 to 1500 degrees Celsius to form activated ultra-fine carbon fibers.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device contains a vertical emitter electrode patterned into multiple laterally separated sections situated between the electron-emissive elements, on one hand, and a substrate, on the other hand. The electron-emissive elements comprising carbon nanotubes are grown at a temperature range of 300° C. to 500° C. compatible with the thermal stress of the underlying substrate. The electron-emissive elements are grown on a granulized catalyst layer that provides a large surface area for growing the electron-emissive elements at such low temperature ranges. To ensure growth uniformity of the carbon nanotubes, the granularized substrate is soaked in a pre-growth plasma gas to enhance the surface diffusion properties of the granularized substrate for carbon diffusion.

Abstract: When a pitch composition prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of mesophase pitch with 10 to 1,000 parts by weight of coal tar pitch, is heat-treated at a temperature of 500° C. or higher, it is possible to produce a high-density coke at a high yield while avoiding the foaming of the mesophase pitch. In addition, when the coke is graphitized at a temperature of 2,000° C. or higher, it is possible to obtain an artificial graphite having a high graphitization degree. Further, when the coke is first pulverized and then graphitized at a temperature of 2,000° C. or higher, it is possible to obtain a high-crystallinity graphite powder which can be suitably used as a carbon material for a negative electrode of non-aqueous solvent type secondary battery having a high discharge capacity and a high charge-discharge efficiency.

Abstract: Compositions including modified carbide-containing nanorods and/or modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbide containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing modified carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.

Abstract: A carbon material which is an isotropic bulk material in which a rigid aromatic polymer or a reinforcing polymer is dispersed in the matrix polymer finely, homogeneously and sufficiently, and which is excellent in physical characteristics, particularly in conductivity, by mixing a matrix polymer with an aromatic heterocyclic copolymer precursor containing functional groups having heterocycle forming ability in which at least one of said functional groups is substituted by another functional group, in an organic solvent to form a mixed solution, removing the solvent therefrom to form a coagulum, thereby preparing a three-dimensional mesh type molecular composite material, and then burning the resulting composite material.

Abstract: A metal injection-molding feedstock is heated and plasticized. Supercritical carbon dioxide is injected into the feedstock to form micropores when the pressure is reduced and a parts mold is filled. The micropores are retained when the green parts are debindered and sintered.

Abstract: Production of hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles includes baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber is applicable to electron discharge devices. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, separation and refining using a solvent is not required. A hollow carbon particle of desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape are provided so that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

Abstract: An enhanced method for the post processing, i.e. oxidation or stabilization, of carbon materials including, but not limited to, carbon foams, carbon fibers, dense carbon-carbon composites, carbon/ceramic and carbon/metal composites, which method requires relatively very short and more effective such processing steps. The introduction of an “oxygen spill over catalyst” into the carbon precursor by blending with the carbon starting material or exposure of the carbon precursor to such a material supplies required oxygen at the atomic level and permits oxidation/stabilization of carbon materials in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the energy normally required to accomplish such carbon processing steps. Carbon based foams, solids, composites and fiber products made utilizing this method are also described.

Abstract: A process for preparing carbon electrodes is presented. In particular, a process for preparing carbon electrodes including the steps of combining calcined coke, a liquid pitch binder and carbon fibers derived from mesophase pitch to form an electrodestock blend; extruding the electrodestock blend to form a green electrodestock; baking the green stock to form a carbonized electrodestock; and graphitizing the carbonized stock by maintaining the carbonized tock at a temperature of at least about 2500.degree. C. for no more than about 18 hours is presented. The electrodes prepared by the inventive process are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam of a porosity of 50-95%, a density of 0.1-0.8 g/cm3, by forming under contact pressure or reduced pressure at a temperature of 140-200° C. a mixture comprising 100 parts by weight of powdered and/or crushed exfoliated graphite and 40-240 parts by weight of phenol resin; an exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam obtained by the method; and a method of obtaining an exfoliated graphite/glassy carbon composite foam of a porosity of 50-95%, a density 0.1-0.8 g/cm3 with volumetric baking shrinkage of 10% or less by baking the exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam.

Abstract: Production of hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles includes baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber is applicable to electron discharge devices. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, separation and refining using a solvent is not required. A hollow carbon particle of desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape are provided so that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

Abstract: A porous carbonized film with fine continuous pores, obtained by carbonization of a highly heat-resistant resin porous film in an anaerobic atmosphere, and a process for its production.

Abstract: The present invention provides an activated carbon produced by a process, which includes: activating a carbonaceous material, to obtain an activated carbonaceous material; and contacting the activated carbonaceous material with an acid. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode for an electric double-layer capacitor, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a filter, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a shaped article, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for producing activated carbon, which includes activating a carbonaceous material, to obtain an activated carbonaceous material; and contacting the activated carbonaceous material with an acid, to obtain the activated carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to inorganic hollow fibers, to a spinning mass and to a method for producing the same as well as to the use thereof for material transports, for the exchange of gases and in separation procedures. The hollow fibers according to the invention are obtainable by processing a spinning mass to a hollow fiber according to general methods, by curing said fiber thermally, via radiation induction or via chemical induction, and by removing the organic components via pyrolysis. The spinning mass is obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of hydrolyzable compounds of silicon, aluminum, titanium and zirconium and optionally of co-condensable compounds of the elements Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Sn or Pb. The hydrolytic polycondensation is performed by adding water or moisture.

Abstract: A process of producing a carbonized material, which includes a step of treating the biomass with a microwave for a period of time sufficient to carbonize an inner region thereof but insufficient to carbonize an outer region thereof, thereby obtaining a partly carbonized product, a step of contacting the partly carbonized product with an oxidizing gas for a period of time sufficient to carbonize the outer region, thereby obtaining a completely carbonized product, and a step of cooling the completely carbonized product in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A porous material suitable for use in a bearing rolling element. The porous material is obtained by a process which includes mixing degreased bran derived from rice bran with a thermosetting resin before kneading, subjecting a kneaded mixture to a primary firing in an inert gas at a temperature in a range of 700 to 100° C., pulverizing the kneaded mixture after the primary firing into carbonized powders sieved through a screen of 100-mesh, mixing the carbonized powders or the carbonized powders and ceramic powders with a thermosetting resin before kneading, pressure-forming a kneaded mixture thus obtained at a pressure in a range of 20 to 30 MPa, and applying a heat treatment again to a formed kneaded mixture in the inert gas at a temperature in a range of 100 to 1100° C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of active carbon from urban waste. The waste is first stored to remove foreign materials and the size of the waste particles is reduced. The waste is dried under anaerobic conditions at a temperature range of 100° C.-150° C. and partially pyrolysed at a temperature of about 140° C.-400° C. The obtained product is granulated and the granules are carbonized under anaerobic conditions at a temperature of about 120° C.-500° C. The carbonized granules are activated in the presence of steam and combustion gases at 750° C.-900° C. Finally, the activated granules are purified by rinsing in an aqueous HCl solution, and subsequently drying the activated carbon.

Abstract: Milled carbon fibers are provided which have a fiber cut surface and a fiber axis intersecting with each other at cross angles, the smaller one thereof being at least 65° on the average. The milled carbon fibers may have a specific surface area as measured by the BET method of 0.2 to 10 m2/g. The milled carbon fibers may be obtained by a process comprising melt spinning of mesophase pitch, infusibilization, milling of the infusibilized pitch fibers as obtained or after a primary heat treatment at low temperatures in an inert gas and a high-temperature heat treatment in an inert gas.

Abstract: This invention provides a pitch fiber bundle for carbon fibers of small size, a carbon fiber bundle, and a method for the production thereof, i.e. a method for the production of carbon fibers of a small size, a pitch fiber bundle, and a carbon fiber bundle at a lower cost with higher productivity than usual. The method for the production of pitch type carbon fibers according to this invention comprises dividing a plurality of pitch fibers into not less than two bundles, intertwining the bundles by exposure to currents of air thereby forming a first fiber bundle, binding a plurality of such first fiber bundles, and again intertwining the bound pitch fiber bundles by exposure to currents of air thereby forming a second fiber bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and rigid porous structures that contain nanorods having carbides and/or oxycarbides and methods of making and using such compositions and such rigid porous structures. The compositions and rigid porous structures can be used either as catalysts and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided. The fluid phase catalytic reactions catalyzed include hydrogenation hydrodesulfuriaation, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodemetallization, hydrodeoxygenation, hydrodearomatization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolyis, isomerization, alkylation, dealkylation, oxidation and transalkylation.

Abstract: A thin, flat, and porous carbon gas diffusion electrode having a side in contact with a supply of gas and a side in contact with an electrolyte, comprises a pyrolysis product of a composite of an organic aerogel or xerogel and a reinforcing skeleton consisting at least in part of organic material. The porosity of the carbon gas diffusion electrode according to the invention can be regulated at will while the surface of the electrode is smooth.

Abstract: A method of making carbon foam is described which involves pyrolizing a mixture containing at least one pyrolizable substance and at least one unpyrolizable material and then removing the unpyrolizable material to obtain the carbon foam. Carbon foam made by this process is also described. Incorporating the carbon foam in a variety of end use applications including electrodes, thermal insulation material, polymers, and the like is also described.

Abstract: A continuous precursor fiber bundle for manufacture of carbon fibers comprising a plurality of precursor fiber bundles each of which comprises at least 30,000 filaments, having a joined portion formed by joining at the terminal end of one of the precursor fiber bundles and the starting end of another one of the fiber bundles directly or through an intervening fiber bundle comprising a plurality of filaments, wherein the individual filaments at the joined portion are substantially uniformly interlaced with each other and wherein the interlacing of filaments is in a pattern selected from the group consisting of continuous substantially uniform interlacing in the transverse direction of said fiber bundles, interlacing at many joints on the joining portion, and interlacing of the entire face of said joining portion.

Abstract: Applying a sizing agent as a water dispersed sizing agent to a continuous carbon fiber bundle consisting of 20,000 to 150,000 filaments, controlling the packing density in a range of 5,000 to 20,000 D/mm, cutting the carbon fiber bundle in a wet state of 10 to 35 wt % in solution content at the time of cutting, and drying with vibration at a solution content of 15 to 45 wt % before drying.

Abstract: There is provided a porous material suitable for use in a bearing retainer, having such properties as a small contraction ratio of the dimensions of a formed workpiece to those of a finished product, excellent hot oil resistance, small contraction change, insusceptibility to damage, light weight, a long service life, and ability to retain oil and grease for a long period of time. The porous material suitable for use in the bearing retainer is obtained by a process comprising the steps of mixing degreased bran derived from rice bran with a thermosetting resin before kneading, subjecting a kneaded mixture to a primary firing in an inert gas at a temperature in a range of 700 to 1000° C.

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material is made by providing an open-celled carbon foam preform, and densifying the preform with carbonaceous material. The open-celled carbon foam preform may be oxygen stabilized prior to carbonization, and the foam preform densified by CVD, HIP, PIC, VPI, pitch and resin injection, or any combination thereof. The carbon-carbon composite material can be heat treated to provide thermal management materials, structural materials, or a friction material for use in a brake or clutch mechanism.

Abstract: Controlled and thorough stabilization of pitch is provided by incorporating an oxidant into the pitch. In one embodiment of the invention, the oxidant is intimately mixed with the pitch. In another embodiment, the oxidant is encapsulated in a suitable encapsulant and the encapsulated oxidant is intimately mixed with the pitch. This material is particularly useful in the preparation of a carbon-carbon composite, but is also useful for preparing fibers and solid preforms.

Abstract: A negative electrode active material for a lithium-based secondary battery includes a graphite-like carbon material having an intensity ratio I(110)/I(002) of an X-ray diffraction peak intensity I(002) at a (002) plane to an X-ray diffraction peak intensity I(110) at a (110) plane of less than 0.2.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a high-softening-point pitch rich in mesopores having a softening point measured by temperature gradient method of 150° C. or higher, a weight loss by heating up to 300° C. of 5 wt. % or less and mesopores of 100 mm3/g or greater, in terms of minute pore volume calculated by the Dollimore-Heal method, and a process for making carbonaceous materials carrying metal thereon are disclosed. The high-softening-point pitch rich in mesopores can easily provide carbonaceous material carrying metal thereon by using no oxidizing agent such as nitric acid, and, therefore, the high-softening-point pitch rich in mesopores is especially suitable for the production of carbonaceous materials carrying metal thereon or highly crystalline graphitized carbonaceous materials in a short heating time.