Controlling Varying Temperature Or Plural Heating Steps Patents (Class 423/447.8)
  • Patent number: 11053405
    Abstract: A process for forming a conductive hemp-based ink comprising carbonizing hemp and reducing the particle size of said hemp via a milling process to between 2 and 5 microns, wherein said reduced size hemp particles are combined with at least one aqueous carrier to produce an ink, and wherein said ink is conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventor: Mark Sunderland
  • Patent number: 9217212
    Abstract: An oxidation oven with a heated chamber for treating fibers, the heated chamber having two opposing sides, each side with a plurality of gaps to allow the fibers to pass to and from the heated chamber. Embodiments of the invention provide capture ducts, which are configured to be under negative pressure, the capture ducts draw-in heated chamber air that would otherwise flow through the gaps. Embodiments of the invention provide supply ducts, which are configured to be under positive pressure and provide heated air near the gaps. Embodiments of the invention provide louvers positioned near the gaps, the louvers are configured to reduce the flow of heated chamber air that would otherwise pass through the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Despatch Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Patrick Alan Warner, Michael James Franklin
  • Patent number: 8932513
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing mechanically resilient titanium carbide (TiC) nanofibrous felts comprising continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix, comprising: (a) electrospinning a spin dope for making precursor nanofibers with diameters less than 0.5 J.Lm; (b) overlaying the nanofibers to produce a nanofibrous mat (felt); and then (c) heating the nano-felts first at a low temperature, and then at a high temperature for making electrospun continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix; and (d) chlorinating the above electrospun nano-felts at an elevated temperature to remove titanium for producing carbide derived carbon (CDC) nano-fibrous felt with high specific surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: South Dakota Board of Regents
    Inventors: Hao Fong, Lifeng Zhang, Yong Zhao, Zhengtao Zhu
  • Patent number: 8900484
    Abstract: A method for producing a composite sulphur/carbon conductive material obtained solely from an initial sulphur and an initial carbon which includes the following successive steps between 50% and 90% by weight of initial sulphur and between 50% and 10% by weight of initial carbon having a specific surface smaller than or equal to 200 m2/g are placed in a reactor at atmospheric pressure, the sum of the proportions respectively of the initial sulphur and carbon attaining 100%, the reactor is hermetically sealed at atmospheric pressure, and the composite sulphur/carbon conductive material is formed, in powder form, by heat treatment by heating said reactor to a heating temperature comprised between 115° C. and 400° C., without external regulation of the pressure inside the reactor, and keeping said reactor at said heating temperature during a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Celine Barchasz, Yves-Gregoire Assouan, Carole Bourbon, Sébastien Patoux
  • Patent number: 8871172
    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: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. León y León
  • Publication number: 20140315460
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: INCUBATION ALLIANCE, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 8808609
    Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing the carbon fiber (or the nonwoven fabric configured of the aforementioned carbon fiber) of which the surface area, the graphitization degree, and the fiber diameter are large, high, and small, respectively, and yet of which dispersion is small. The method of producing the carbon fiber nonwoven fabric includes a dispersion liquid preparing step of preparing a dispersion liquid containing resin and pitch, an electrospinning step of producing the nonwoven fabric that is comprised of carbon fiber precursors with electrospinning from the aforementioned dispersion liquid, and a modifying step of modifying the carbon fiber precursors of the nonwoven fabric obtained in the aforementioned electrospinning step into the carbon fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: TEC One Co., Ltd., Shinshu University
    Inventors: Takahiro Kitano, Fujio Okino
  • Patent number: 8808810
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to the use of graphene as a transparent conductive coating (TCC). A substrate having a surface to be coated is provided. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) template is disposed on the surface to be coated. A precursor comprising a precursor molecule is provided, with the precursor molecule being a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and discotic molecule. The precursor is dissolved to form a solution. The solution is applied to the substrate having the SAM template disposed thereon. The precursor molecule is photochemically attached to the SAM template. The substrate is heated to at least 450 degrees C. to form a graphene-inclusive film. Advantageously, the graphene-inclusive film may be provided directly on the substrate, e.g., without the need for a liftoff process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8778036
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Skye Energy Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Shaffer
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8673259
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for separate heating of substrate, catalyst and feedstock/transport gases for the controllable CVD synthesis of various carbon nanotubes and nanostructures, and particularly for CVD growth of oriented forests of multi-wall CNT forests, which are highly dry-spinnable into sheets and yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Solarno Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8663591
    Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing a graphene shell and a graphene shell prepared using the method. A first heat treatment is performed on a mixture of an organic solvent and a graphitization catalyst so as to carburize the graphitization catalyst with carbon decomposed from the organic solvent. The graphitization catalyst is in the form of particles. A second heat treatment process is performed on the carburized graphitization catalyst in an inert or reductive gas atmosphere to thereby form graphene shells on surfaces of the carburized graphitization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seon-mi Yoon, Jae-young Choi, Hyeon-Jin Shin
  • Patent number: 8632744
    Abstract: A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Barry S. Goodell, Xinfeng Xie, Yuhui Qian, Dajie Zhang, Michael L. Peterson, Jody L. Jellison
  • Patent number: 8628748
    Abstract: A purification method for a carbon material containing carbon nanotubes is provided, which satisfies the following requirements: The method should prevent carbon nanotubes from being damaged, broken or flocculated; the method should be capable of removing the catalyst metal and carbon components other than the carbon nanotubes; and the method should be applicable to not only multi-walled carbon nanotubes but also single-walled carbon nanotubes which will undergo significant structural changes when heated to 1400° C. or higher temperatures. The method is characterized by including a carbon material preparation process for preparing a carbon material containing carbon nanotubes by an arc discharge method, using an anode made of a material containing at least carbon and a catalyst metal; and a halogen treatment process for bringing the carbon material into contact with a gas containing a halogen and/or halogen compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Takimoto, Naoto Ohta, Tetsuro Tojo
  • 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: 8562938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sintering materials using a carbon nanotube (including carbide nano particles, hereinafter the same) and a manufacturing method thereof, the method comprises the steps of: combining or generating carbon nanotubes in metal powders, a compacted product, or a sintered product; growing and alloying the carbon nanotubes by compacting or sintering the metal powders, the compacted product, or the sintered product; and strengthening the mechanical characteristics by repeatedly performing the sintering process and the combining process or the generating process of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Sang-chul Ahn, Sun-hwa Yang, Hyeung-eun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8506922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sintering materials using a carbon nanotube (including carbide nano particles, hereinafter the same) and a manufacturing method thereof, the method comprises the steps of: combining or generating carbon nanotubes in metal powders, a compacted product, or a sintered product; growing and alloying the carbon nanotubes by compacting or sintering the metal powders, the compacted product, or the sintered product; and strengthening the mechanical characteristics by repeatedly performing the sintering process and the combining process or the generating process of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: C & Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-chul Ahn, Sun-hwa Yang, Hyeung-eun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8475760
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing nanotubes, the apparatus being adapted to produce doped and/or undoped single-walled or multi-walled nanotubes, the apparatus comprising at least a thermal reactor. In accordance with the invention, the reactor is at least of the hottest part thereof and at least partly manufactured from a material that is at least partly sublimed into the thermal reactor as a result of the thermal reactor being heated, and the sublimed material at least partly participates in the growth of the nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Beneq Oy
    Inventors: Markku Rajala, Pekka Soininen, Anssi Hovinen, Jari Sinkko
  • Patent number: 8450605
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a conjugated polymer. In the method, polyacrylonitrile, a solvent, and a catalyst are provided. The polyacrylonitrile is dissolved in the solvent to form a polyacrylonitrile solution. The catalyst is uniformly dispersed into the polyacrylonitrile solution. The polyacrylonitrile solution with the catalyst is heated to induce a cyclizing reaction of the polyacrylonitrile, thereby forming a conjugated polymer solution with the conjugated polymer dissolved therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming He, Li Wang, Wei-Hua Pu, Wen-Ting Sun, Jian-Jun Li
  • Patent number: 8372369
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing hydrogen spillover and storage are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the hydrogen receptor to ultrasonication as doping occurs. Another embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the doped hydrogen receptor to a plasma treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ralph T. Yang, Yingwei Li, Anthony J. Lachawiec, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8337730
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, multicellular, hollow carbon fiber wherein the fiber structure includes a substantially hollow fiber and multiple internal walls defining multiple integral internal hollow fibers such that the fiber structure comprises a honeycomb-like cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: The Boeing Company, Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Tsotsis, Jeff Haggard
  • Patent number: 8323609
    Abstract: Carbon nanostructures are synthesized from carbon-excess explosives having a negative oxygen balance. A supercritical fluid provides an environment that safely dissolves and decomposes the explosive molecules into its reactant products including activated C or CO and provides the temperature and pressure for the required collision rate of activated C atoms and CO molecules to form carbon nanostructures such as graphene, fullerenes and nanotubes. The nanostructures may be synthesized without a metal reactant at relatively low temperatures in the supercritical fluid to provide a cost-effective path to bulk fabrication. These nanostructures may be synthesized “metal free”. As the supercritical fluid provides an inert buffer that does not react with the explosive, the fluid is preserved. Once the nanostructures are removed, the other reaction products may be removed and the fluid recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Delmar L. Barker, Mead M. Jordan, William R. Owens, John Warren Beck
  • Publication number: 20120288434
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is a method for preparing a polyacrylonitrile-based polymer for preparation of carbon fiber having a melting point controlled by selecting an optimal energy of microwave, and a method for preparing a carbon fiber through melt spinning using the preparation method for polyacrylonitrile-based polymer. The present invention uses microwave to control the properties of the polyacrylonitrile-based polymer in a simplified way and prepare the polymer optimized for preparation of carbon fiber precursor through melt spinning for a short polymerization time, and provides a means for mass production of the polyacrylonitrile-based polymer being suitable for melt spinning at a temperature lower than the stabilization temperature and acquiring properties adequate to preparation of carbon fiber through stabilization. Hence, the present invention is expected to contribute to mass production of high-performance carbon fibers at reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kap-Seung YANG, Sung-Ho LEE, Hyang-Hoon CHAE, Dong-Hun LEE
  • Patent number: 8273829
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a conjugated polymer. In the method, polyacrylonitrile, a solvent, and a catalyst are provided. The polyacrylonitrile is dissolved in the solvent to form a polyacrylonitrile solution. The catalyst is uniformly dispersed into the polyacrylonitrile solution. The polyacrylonitrile solution with the catalyst is heated to induce a cyclizing reaction of the polyacrylonitrile, thereby forming a conjugated polymer solution with conjugated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming He, Li Wang, Wei-Hua Pu, Wen-Ting Sun, Jian-Jun Li
  • Patent number: 8206624
    Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes uses a polymer as a raw material to undergo in situ thermal decomposition. The method includes steps of mixing the polymer and metallic catalyst through a multiple heating stage process of in-situ thermal decomposition to carbonize the polymer and release carbon elements to produce carbon nanotubes. Advantages of the present invention include easy to prepare, low temperature in manipulation, low production cost, and high safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Yuan-Yao Li, Chao-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8187566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube, and more specifically, to a continuous method for functionalizing a carbon nanotube by feeding functional compounds having one or more functional group into a functionalizing reactor into which a carbon nanotube mixture including oxidizer is fed under a pressure of 50 to 400 atm and a temperature of 100 to 600° C. to a subcritical water or supercritical water condition of a pressure of 50 to 40 atm by using a continuously functionalizing apparatus to obtain the functionalized products, such that the functional group of the functional compound can be easily introduced to the carbon nanotube, thereby increasing the functionalized effect of the carbon nanotube and increasing the dispersibility accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Seo Lee, Joo Hee Han, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Publication number: 20120128574
    Abstract: Carbon nanostructures are synthesized from carbon-excess explosives having a negative oxygen balance. A supercritical fluid provides an environment that safely dissolves and decomposes the explosive molecules into its reactant products including activated C or CO and provides the temperature and pressure for the required collision rate of activated C atoms and CO molecules to form carbon nanostructures such as graphene, fullerenes and nanotubes. The nanostructures may be synthesized without a metal reactant at relatively low temperatures in the supercritical fluid to provide a cost-effective path to bulk fabrication. These nanostructures may be synthesized “metal free”. As the supercritical fluid provides an inert buffer that does not react with the explosive, the fluid is preserved. Once the nanostructures are removed, the other reaction products may be removed and the fluid recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: DELMAR L. BARKER, Mead M. Jordan, William R. Owens, John Warren Beck
  • Patent number: 8119095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sintering materials using a carbon nanotube (including carbide nano particles, hereinafter the same) and a manufacturing method thereof, the method comprises the steps of: combining or generating carbon nanotubes in metal powers, a compacted product, or a sintered product; growing and alloying the carbon nanotubes by compacting or sintering the metal powers, the compacted product, or the sintered product; and strengthening the mechanical characteristics by repeatedly performing the sintering process and the combining process or the generating process of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: C & Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-chul Ahn, Sun-hwa Yang, Hyeung-eun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8092775
    Abstract: Provided is a continuous method and apparatus for purifying carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotube is fed together with solvent into a preheater via a heat exchanger to produce a carbon nanotube mixture. The carbon nanotube mixture is preheated at 100 to 370° C. Then, the carbon nanotube mixture is purified in a purifying reactor under a subcritical water condition of 50 to 400 atm. The resulting purified product is cooled down to 0 to 100° C. and depressurized into 1 to 10 atm by feeding the purified product into a cooling down and depressurizing part via the heat exchanger. Finally, the cooled and depressurized product is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joo Hee Han, Jin Seo Lee, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Publication number: 20110280794
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for separate heating of substrate, catalyst and feedstock/transport gases for the controllable CVD synthesis of various carbon nanotubes and nanostructures, and particularly for CVD growth of oriented forests of multi-wall CNT forests, which are highly dry-spinnable into sheets and yarns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Solarno, Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8043693
    Abstract: A flame-resistant polymer excels in moldability capable of providing a flame-resistant molded item of novel configuration; a relevant flame-resistant polymer solution; a process for easily producing them; a carbon molding from the flame-resistant polymer; and a process for easily producing the same. A flame-resistant polymer is modified with an amine compound. Further, a flame-resistant polymer solution has the polymer dissolved in a polar organic solvent. A flame-resistant molding whose part or entirety is constituted of the flame-resistant polymer modified with an amine compound. A carbon molding was part or entirety constituted of a carbon component resulting from carbonization of the flame-resistant polymer modified with an amine compound. From the solution containing the flame-resistant polymer, moldings of various configurations can be obtained through further work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsunori Higuchi, Katsumi Yamasaki, Koichi Yamaoka, Tomihiro Ishida
  • Patent number: 7998450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method and apparatus of functionalizing a carbon nanotube, and more specifically, to a continuous method of functionalizing a carbon nanotube under subcritical water or supercritical water conditions without additional functionalizing processes, comprising: a) continuously feeding the carbon nanotube solution and an oxidizer under a pressure of 50 to 400 atm, respectively or together, and then preheating the mixture of said carbon nanotube solution and said oxidizer; b) functionalizing the carbon nanotube in the preheated said mixture under the subcritical water or the supercritical water condition of 50 to 400 atm; c) cooling down the functionalized product into 0 to 100° C. and depressurizing the functionalized product into 1 to 10 atm; and d) recovering the cooled down and depressurized product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joo Hee Han, Jin Seo Lee, Seung-Hoe Do, Seong Cheol Hong
  • Patent number: 7947114
    Abstract: A process for the production of a carbon membrane comprising: (i) reacting a mixture of cellulose and hemicellulose with an acid; (ii) casting the mixture to form a film, (iii) drying said film; and (iv) carbonizing said film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: NTNU Technology Transfer AS
    Inventors: May-Britt Hagg, Jon Arvid Lie
  • Publication number: 20110085961
    Abstract: The method for producing carbon nanotubes of the invention employs a carbon source that contains carbon and is decomposed when heated and a catalyst that serves as a catalyst for production of carbon nanotubes from the carbon source, to synthesize the carbon nanotubes on a heated support placed in a reactor, the method comprising a catalyst loading step in which the catalyst starting material, as the starting material for the catalyst, is distributed over the support to load the catalyst onto the support, a synthesis step in which the carbon source is distributed over the support to synthesize the carbon nanotubes on the support, and a separating step in which a separating gas stream is distributed over the support to separate the carbon nanotubes from the support, wherein the catalyst loading step, the synthesis step and the separating step are carried out while keeping the support in a heated state and switching supply of the catalyst starting material, the carbon source and the separating gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Suguru Noda, Hisashi Sugime, Yukio Yamaguchi, Toshio Osawa, Kazunori Kakehi, Kei Hasegawa, Dong Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7879308
    Abstract: A multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter and method of producing the same is disclosed. The multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter comprises a nanotube having a diameter between approximately 1 nanometer and approximately 100 nanometers with an integrally attached outer layer of graphitic material that is approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 10 micrometers in diameter attached to an etched tip of a wire. The tip of the wire is etched to form a tip and a slot is fabricated in the tip for alignment and attachment of the carbon nanotube. A focus ion beam is used to weld the nanotube to the tungsten tip for electron field emission applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Chow, Guangyu Chai
  • Publication number: 20110002838
    Abstract: Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. An arrangement comprising one or more layers of fullerene in contact with one side of a metal layer and a solid carbon source in contact with the other side of metal layer is prepared. The fullerene/metal layer/solid carbon source arrangement is then heated to a temperature below where the fullerenes sublime. Alternatively, a non-solid carbon source may be used in place of a solid carbon source or the metal layer may simply be saturated with carbon atoms. A multiplicity of single walled carbon nanotubes are grown on the fullerene side of the metal layer, wherein at least 80% of the single walled carbon nanotubes in said multiplicity have a diameter within ±5% of a single walled carbon nanotube diameter D present in said multiplicity, said diameter D being in the range between 0.6-2.2 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc
    Inventors: Howard Tennent, Hai-feng Zhang, Jun Ma
  • Patent number: 7824649
    Abstract: This apparatus and method facilitate the synthesis of a single-wall carbon nanotube array. The apparatus includes a reactor, a local heating device, a gaseous carbon supplier, and a reactant gas supplier. The reactor is configured for receiving a catalyst in a reaction zone thereof. The local heating device is configured for selectively heating the reaction zone and/or the catalyst received thereat. The gaseous carbon supplier is configured for introducing gaseous carbon into the reactor from an upstream position of the reaction zone. The reactant gas supplier is configured for introducing a reactant gas containing a carbon source gas into the reactor. A densely aligned, single-wall carbon nanotube array can be achieved due to the proximity to the catalyst of the heating device and due to the gaseous carbon supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Zhuo Chen, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 7815887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conductive nonwoven fabric that is carbonized and/or graphitized and possesses a bending rigidity <8 taber, a density of 0.1 g/m3 to 0.5 g/m3, a thickness of 80 ?m to 500 ?m, and an electrical conductivity of 10 to 300 S/cm in the nonwoven fabric strip and 30 to 220 S/cm2 perpendicular to the nonwoven fabric strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Werner Schäfer, Kurt Jörder, Hans Rettig, Karim Salama, Achim Bock, Silke Wagener, Axel Helmbold
  • Publication number: 20100258724
    Abstract: An electron microscope comprising an electron emitting cathode equipped with a carbon nanotube and an extraction unit to field-emit electrons. The carbon nanotube contains a sharp portion which is approximately conical shape at tip thereof closed at the electron-emitting cathode. A method of manufacturing carbon nanotube having a sharp angle part at the tip thereof, comprising a step of placing and heat-treating a tip-sharpened carbon nanotube still at a lower temperature than a phase transition temperature and a step of placing and heat-treating a tip-sharpened carbon nanotube still at a higher temperature than a phase transition temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Mitsuo Hayashibara, Tadashi Fujieda, Kishio Hidaka
  • Patent number: 7790135
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, e.g., single wall carbon nanotubes (“SWNT”) and/or multi-wall carbon nanotubes (“MWNT”), from solutions containing a polymer, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). In particular, the invention is directed to the production of nanostructures, for example, SWNT and/or MWNT, from mixtures, e.g., solutions, containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base (PANi) or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent. In one embodiment, a mixture containing polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline emeraldine base or a salt thereof, an iron salt, e.g., iron chloride, and a solvent is formed and the mixture is electrospun to form nanofibers. In another embodiment, the electrospun nanofibers are then oxidized, e.g., heated in air, and subsequently pyrolyzed to form carbon nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Lennhoff
  • Patent number: 7754177
    Abstract: A hollow carbon nanoballoon structure having a relatively large closed space, and a method of producing a carbon nanoballoon structure capable of easily and stably producing such a structure. The carbon nanoballoon structure is obtained by heating soot prepared by an arc discharge using carbon electrodes, soot prepared by vaporizing carbon by laser irradiation, or carbon black having a specific surface area of 1000 m2/g or more and a primary particle diameter of 20 nm or more at a high temperature in an inert gas atmosphere, and includes graphite sheets linked to form a curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd., Futaba Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Takikawa, Akira Kondo, Kazuo Yoshikawa, Shigeo Itoh
  • Patent number: 7749479
    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: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. Léon y Léon
  • Publication number: 20100072429
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing nanotubes, the apparatus being adapted to produce doped and/or undoped single-walled or multi-walled nanotubes, the apparatus comprising at least a thermal reactor. In accordance with the invention, the reactor is at least of the hottest part thereof and at least partly manufactured from a material that is at least partly sublimed into the thermal reactor as a result of the thermal reactor being heated, and the sublimed material at least partly participates in the growth of the nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: BENEQ OY
    Inventors: Markku Rajala, Pekka Soininen, Anssi Hovinen, Jari Sinkko
  • Publication number: 20090224420
    Abstract: A process for preparing superior carbon fiber including a step of rapid imbibation of densification activator from an aqueous bath; and product prepared therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7524479
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuo Muramaki, Yoshihisa Sakamoto, Ryuji Yamamoto, Toshio Morita
  • Publication number: 20080260618
    Abstract: When growing carbon nanotubes, a substrate is delivered into a thermal CVD chamber whose internal temperature is a room temperature, and a mixed gas of an inert gas and a raw gas is introduced in the inside thereof. After a pressure inside of the chamber is stabilized at 1 kPa, the temperature in the chamber is raised to 510° C. in 1 minute. As a result, the carbon nanotubes start to grow linearly from the respective catalytic particles without any fusion of each of the catalytic particles. Subsequently, the temperature and an atmosphere are maintained for about 30 minutes. Once the carbon nanotubes start to grow, surfaces of the catalytic particles are covered by carbon, so that any fusion of each of the catalytic particles can be avoided even during the maintenance for about 30 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Akio KAWABATA
  • Patent number: 7410630
    Abstract: The method comprises a first stage of transforming carbon precursor material into carbon by heating, with the resulting gaseous effluent being extracted continuously, and a second stage of high temperature heat treatment under low pressure with the resulting gaseous effluent being extracted continuously. The first and second stages are performed one after the other in the same oven by proceeding, after the end of the first stage, with the steps of switching the gaseous effluent outlet from the oven to interrupt a connection with a first extractor device and to establish a connection with a second extractor device, of adjusting the pressure inside the oven to the value required for the second stage, and of adjusting the heating temperature of the oven starting from the temperature reached at the end of the first stage. It is also possible to switch temperature measurement from at least one first sensor to at least one second sensor different from the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Jean-Etienne Loncle, Pascal Pothier
  • Patent number: 6967014
    Abstract: The carbonization of cellulose fiber fabric comprises an initial stage of heat treatment up to 250° C. to 350° C., with a relatively high mean temperature rise speed of 10° C./min to 60° C./min, an intermediate stage up to 350° C. to 500° C. with a lower mean temperature rise speed of 2° C./min to 10° C./min, and a final stage up to 500° C. to 750° C. with a mean temperature rise speed that is again raised to 5° C./min to 40° C./min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Pierre Olry, Mark Kazakov, Sylvie Loison, Marina Marakhovskaya
  • Patent number: 6713423
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of thermally reactivating activated carbon via a two-step process: steam followed by pyrolysis; whereby the steam is preferably deoxygenated. Activated carbons reactivated by this method resemble their virgin counterpart's physical characteristics (e.g., BET surface area) and often perform better in water treatment. The present invention also includes a method of reactivating activated carbon via conventional processes (i.e. pyrolysis followed by steam) at low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. The third aspect of the present invention is the activation of carbonaceous material comprising of steam treating the carbonaceous material followed by pyrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Engineering Performance Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: David W. Mazyck