Abstract: In one aspect, a process to decompose a hydrocarbon such as methane into carbon (graphitic powder) and hydrogen (H2 gas) without secondary production of carbon dioxide, employing a cycle in which a secondary chemical can be recycled and reused, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to convert hydrocarbons into hydrogen and a separate carbon phase, whereby in step a) the hydrocarbons are contacted with a molten salt, preferably comprising Zinc Chloride, at temperatures preferably above 500° C. and in step b) a solid or liquid carbon phase is separated from the molten salt at a lower temperature, preferably below 150° C. The molten salt is then preferably re-heated to the desired temperature and recycled to step a). The process avoids the emission of CO2, making the hydrogen produced in this way a zero CO2 emission fuel and which also produces a carbon product produced having a use value.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to storing energy in a form that is carbon neutral, storable and transportable, so that it can be used on demand. The present invention provides a process and system for using energy as available to produce carbon from carbon oxide, and then oxidizing the carbon to generate useful energy on demand, while effectively recycling the carbon, oxidant, and carbon oxide used in the process or system. In one embodiment, the present invention effectively stores renewable energy as carbon, transports the carbon, oxidizes the carbon to generate useful energy on demand and recycles the carbon as carbon dioxide. This invention may increase the utilization of renewable energy, especially for electrical power generation, while producing no net carbon dioxide or other air pollutants.

Abstract: Undesirable components of traditional coking processes are selectively cracked or coked in the coking vessel by injecting an additive into the vapors in the coking vessel. The additive contains catalyst(s), seeding agent(s), excess reactant(s), quenching agent(s), carrier(s), or any combination thereof to modify reaction kinetics to preferentially crack (or coke) these undesirable components that typically have a high propensity to coke, and are often precursors to coke in the coking process. These undesirable components can also be very problematic in downstream catalytic cracking processes, significantly contributing to coke on catalyst and catalyst deactivation. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide methods to (1) decrease coke production, (2) increase liquid transportation fuels, (3) control the coke crystalline structure, and (4) control the quantity and quality of volatile combustible materials (VCMs) in the resulting coke.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube synthesis process apparatus comprises a reaction tube in which a reaction field is formed, and a discharge pipe (32) arranged downstream of the reaction tube and discharging carbon nanotubes to the outside. A plurality of nozzles (34) are provided on the sidewall of the discharge pipe (32) in directions which are deflected with respect to the center (O) of the discharge pipe (32). When gases are discharged from the plurality of nozzles (34), a swirl flowing from the inner side surface along the inner side surface is produced in the discharge pipe (32). Adhesion of carbon nanotubes to the inner side surface of the discharge pipe (32) is prevented by the swirl flow and thus the apparatus can be operated continuously.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, the apparatus including a reaction tube that provides a space for carbon nanotubes and is formed vertically long, a heating unit that is formed at the outer side of the reaction tube, and heats the reaction tube, a gas-supply unit that sprays reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes by reacting with catalysts positioned inside the reaction tube, an exhaustion unit that is connected to the upper portion of the reaction tube, and discharges non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes, and a blocking unit that is formed inside the reaction tube, discharges only the non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes to the exhaustion unit, and blocks the discharge of the carbon nanotubes and catalysts, in which the cross-section of the blocking unit is divided in a plurality of polygon structures, and downward-slanted blocking wings are formed at each divided cell.

Abstract: A nanocarbon generation equipment designed such that organic processed materials can be quickly thermally decomposed therein and the decomposed materials are then quenched and liquefied to obtain liquefied materials is disclosed. This equipment comprises thermal reactor for quickly thermally decomposing the organic processed materials, apparatus for recovering the liquefied materials which are liquefied through quenching of thermally decomposed organic processed materials, a rotary furnace to be filled with a reducing atmosphere and loaded with hydrocarbons to be obtained through vaporization of liquefied materials after impurities contained in the liquefied materials are removed, and metal balls made of a metal selected from stainless steel, iron, nickel, chromium and an optional combination thereof, wherein the hydrocarbon introduced into the rotary furnace is decomposed into carbon and hydrogen, thus enabling nanocarbon to be produced through vapor-phase growth.

Abstract: A carbon fiber having a total content of Li, Na, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni and Co metal elements of no more than 50 ppm and a fiber diameter of 0.001 to 2 ?m and not branched and a assembly of a plurality of the carbon fibers.

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: A process for continuously producing carbon fibers in a vapor phase by causing a carbon compound to contact a catalyst and/or a catalyst precursor compound in a heating zone. In this process, the carbon compound, the catalyst precursor compound and an additional component are supplied to the heating zone, and these components are subjected to a reaction under a reaction condition such that at least a portion of the additional component is present as a solid or liquid in the heating zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical polarizer and a method of fabricating such an optical polarizer. The optical polarizer includes a support member and an optical polarizing film supported by the support member. The optical polarizing film includes a number of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are compactly aligned with and parallel to each other. The optical polarizing film constructed with carbon nanotubes can work at high-temperature and in moist environments and has excellent abrasion resistance properties. Furthermore, a diameter of a carbon nanotube is only about 0.4˜30 nm, so the polarizing ability of the optical polarizer can extend into the UV region. The degree of polarization in the UV region is 0.92.

Abstract: A fluorinated carbon fiber has a hollow core structure in which a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. Edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on the inner and outer surfaces of the fluorinated carbon fiber. In the fluorinated carbon fiber, the exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are fluorinated and have a structure shown by CxFy.

Abstract: A process for preparing carbon fibrils by contacting a source of carbon with a supported catalyst that includes at least one multivalent transition metal having a size of about 35 to 700 A deposited on an inorganic substrate having a size of up to about 400 microns.

Abstract: A process for preparing carbon fibrils by contacting a source of carbon with a supported catalyst that includes at least one multivalent transition metal having a size of about to 700 A deposited on an inorganic substrate having a size up to about 400 microns.

Abstract: The present invention includes several nanotube structures which can be made using catalyst islands disposed on a substrate (e.g. silicon, alumina, or quartz) or on the free end of an atomic force microscope cantilever. The catalyst islands are capable of catalyzing the growth of carbon nanotubes from carbon containing gases (e.g. methane). The present invention includes an island of catalyst material (such as Fe2O3) disposed on the substrate with a carbon nanotube extending from the island. Also included in the present invention is a pair of islands with a nanotube extending between the islands, electrically connecting them. Conductive metal lines connected to the islands (which may be a few microns on a side) allows for external circuitry to connect to the nanotube. Such a structure can be used in many different electronic and microelectromechanical devices. For example, a nanotube connected between two islands can function as a resonator if the substrate beneath the nanotube is etched away.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel process for sustainable CO2-free production of hydrogen and carbon by thermocatalytic decomposition (or dissociation, pyrolysis, cracking) of hydrocarbon fuels over carbon-based catalysts in the absence of air and/or water. The process is applicable to any hydrocarbon fuel, including sulfurous fuels. Combination of a catalytic reactor with a gas separation unit allows to produce high purity hydrogen (at least, 99.0 v %) completely free of carbon oxides. In a preferred embodiment, sustainable continuous production of hydrogen and carbon is achieved by both internal and external activation of carbon catalysts. Internal activation of carbon catalyst is accomplished by recycling of hydrogen-depleted gas containing unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons back to the reactor. External activation can be achieved via surface gasification of carbon catalysts by hot combustion gases during catalyst heating. The process can conveniently be integrated with any type of fuel cell.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol from natural gas containing methane comprising the thermal decomposition of methane and the subsequent reaction of the resulting hydrogen gas with carbon dioxide in a catalyst containing methanol synthesis reactor to produce methanol. Alternative methods include the gasification with carbon dioxide of at least a portion of the carbon produced by the decomposing step, to produce carbon monoxide, which is then reacted with hydrogen gas to produce methanol; or the reforming of a portion of the natural gas feedstock used in the decomposing step with carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, which carbon monoxide and hydrogen are then combined with additional hydrogen from the natural gas decomposing step in a methanol synthesis reactor to produce methanol. The methods taught reduce the overall amount of carbon dioxide resulting from the methanol production process.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibrils. It more particularly refers to carbon/graphite fibrils and to an improved process for producing such. Carbon fibrils as used herein means graphitic fibrils having high surface area, high Young's modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength which are grown catalytically from available sources of carbon.

Abstract: (1) A carbon film derived from a polyimide film, which has a tensile strength of at least 15 Kgf/mm.sup.2, a tensile modulus of elasticity of at least 5000 Kgf/mm.sup.2 and an electric conductivity of at least 200 S/cm.(2) A process for preparing a carbon film which comprises the following steps:1) reacting a monomer combination selected from the group consisting of a combination comprising a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aromatic diamine and a combination comprising a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, an aromatic diamine, and a polyamino compound having at least three amino groups to form a polyamic acid;2) forming a film of polyamic acid;3) imidizing the polyamic acid film to form a polyimide film having a tensile strength of at least 10 Kgf/mm.sup.2 and a tensile modulus of elasticity of at least 500 Kgf/mm.sup.2 ; and4) carbonizing the polyimide film in an inert gas or in a vacuum until a carbon film having a tensile strength of at least 15 Kgf/mm.sup.

Abstract: A novel praseodymium-palladium oxide compound has the formula Pr.sub.4 PdO.sub.7. The compound has utility as a catalyst for oxidation of combustion mixtures comprising oxygen (e.g., air) and gaseous carbonaceous fuels such as methane and displays excellent regeneration characteristics after exposure to decomposition-causing temperatures. The compound may be used in a catalyst composition by being coated as a washcoat on a suitable carrier. Catalytic combustion processes are carried out by contacting such combustion mixture with the catalyst under combustion conditions, including catalytically supported thermal combusiton. Regeneration of over-temperatured catalyst is also provided for.

Abstract: The method of producing bromine-processed graphite fibers comprises preparing gas phase grown carbon fibers by bringing a substrate carrying thereon ultrafine particles of metal catalyst into contact with hydrocarbon compound under a high temperature, graphitizing the thus obtained fibers to obtain graphite fibers having such a crystal structure as carbon hexagonal network face is substantially in parallel with the axis of fibers and is oriented coaxially, and then bringing the thus obtained graphite fibers and bromine at a temperature lower than 60.degree. C. and for a time at least for 10 min.. In this case, the specific value for the length of the repeat distance along the c axis direction in the crystals is within a range from 10 to 40 .ANG..

Abstract: Electrically conductive carbon flakes and films are prepared in high yield by the pyrolysis of cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, optionally halogenated, in the presence of a dehydrogenating agent at about at least 800.degree. C. Flakes of thicknesses up to 20 .mu.m and lengths up to 1 cm on a side are metal-like in appearance and have a conductivity of about 200-300 S/cm at room temperature. By heat treatment to 2600.degree. C., graphitic order is improved and the conductivity rises to .apprxeq.10000-15000 S/cm.

Abstract: The method of producing bromine-processed graphite fibers, comprises graphitizing gas phase grown carbon fibers by bringing ultrafine particles of metal catalyst and a hydrocarbon compound suspended in a high temperature zone into contact with each other, to obtain graphite fibers having such a crystal structure that carbon hexagonal network face is substantially in parallel with the axes of fibers and is oriented coaxially, and then bringing the thus obtained graphite fibers and bromine at a temperature lower than 60.degree. C. In this case, the interplanar spacing or the lengths of the repeat distance along the c axis direction in the crystals vary with a plurality of values within a range from 10 to 40 .ANG..

Abstract: A method of producing vapor growth carbon fibers which are grown in a rection space by thermally decomposing gaseous hydrocarbon and by using transition metal fine particles as the catalyst, wherein the reaction space is filled with ceramic granules which serve as a radiation heat transfer medium and are moved to prevent an intermingling of the growing carbon fibers, so that the grown carbon fibers are conveyed from the reaction space by a gas stream.

Abstract: A novel isotropically reinforced microcomposite is described. An entirely fluid-phase method has been devised for producing the net-shape filamentary structures. The process depends for its success on the ability to generate in situ, within a shaped mold, a three-dimensional random weave of carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed. Almost any desired filament filler matrix combination can be produced by utilizing chemical vapor deposition to modify the surface and bulk properties of the filamentary structure. Infiltration of filler matrix materials can be achieved by adaptation of existing materials technologies.

Abstract: A novel isotropically reinforced microcomposite is described. An entirely fluid-phase method has been devised for producing the net-shape filamentary structures. The process depends for its success on the ability to generate in situ, within a shaped mold, a three-dimensional random weave of carbon filaments by catalytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon feed. Almost any desired filament filler matrix combination can be produced by utilizing chemical vapor deposition to modify the surface and bulk properties of the filamentary structure. Infiltration of filler matrix materials can be achieved by adaptation of existing materials technologies.

Abstract: A process for producing graphite includes heat treating, in an inert gas or in vacuo, at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyphenyleneoxadiazole, polybenzothiazoles, a polybenzobisthiazole, a polybenzoxazole, a polybenzobisoxazole and a polythiazole, at a temperature of at least 1600.degree. C., preferably at least 2000.degree. C., for at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 60 minutes, to convert the polymer to a highly-graphitized graphite. The process produces almost perfect graphite in any shape, such as film-shaped for large-area graphite, fibrous or powdered.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing carbon fibers in a gaseous phase reaction comprising introducing a gas mixture comprising at least one carbon compound, at least one inorganic transition metal compound gas and at least one carrier gas into a reactor and subjecting the mixture to a temperature of 600.degree. C. to 1300.degree. C. in the reactor for inducing growth of carbon fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a methane converter comprising a reactor tube and a heating means to raise the reactor tube temperature to the desired reaction temperature wherein the reactor tube is packed with a high temperature stable, glass fibers the fibers having a layer of catalytic material on them. The present reactor operating at temperatures below 850.degree. C. and producing hydrogen and high density carbon. Also disclosed is a carbon dioxide reclamation system utilizing the present methane converter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of vapor-deposited carbon fibres wherein a gaseous or vaporized hydrocarbon which is entrained by a carrier gas is pyrolyzed on a substrate in a flow reactor at a temperature of between 950.degree. and 1300.degree. C. in two successive stages, a germination stage and a growth stage.The process comprises the following steps:preparing a gaseous mixture comprising from 50 to 90% and preferably from 85 to 65% by volume of hydrogen and/or helium and from 10 to 40% and preferably from 15 to 35% by volume of methane;circulating the mixture in the reactor over a substrate comprising from 10.sup.-8 to 10.sup.-4 g/cm.sup.2 of a catalyst selected from iron, nickel, cobalt and alloys thereof;initiating germination and growth of the carbon fibres in respect of length at a temperature t1 which is stabilized at between 950.degree. and 1050.degree. C.

Abstract: Submicron iron nuclei for growing graphite fibers by pyrolysis of a gaseous hydrocarbon compound, preferably methane, are formed by controlled decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl vapors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing carbon filaments by dissociating a carbon-containing gas at a temperature to about 800.degree. C. in the presence of iron monoxide. The iron monoxide can be produced by treating a sample of substantially pure iron with steam at a temperature from about 540.degree. C.

Abstract: The production of microfibrous carbon by the catalytic pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials in the presence of metal containing catalysts is improved by the presence of a small quantity of a phosphorus-containing substance.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, graphite fibers are grown by natural gas pyrolysis on an iron-base metal surface initially bearing a relatively thick oxide.

Abstract: The production of fibrous carbon from hydrocarbons can be improved by employing recycled hydrocarbons as carrier gases.

Abstract: A method of producing high density carbon at relatively low temperatures is described. By flowing methane gas over glass rods or tubes at flow rates of 10 to 1300 cc per minute and temperatures of 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C., carbon having a density greater than 2 grams per cubic centimeter and hydrogen gas are produced. An inert gas such as argon can be intermittently pulsed through the system to sweep the system free of low density carbon deposits and heating preferably takes place by means of induction coil heated graphite susceptors or resistance heaters.

Abstract: The formation of improved intercalated graphitic carbon fibers of further diminished electrical resistivity (i.e., increased electrical conductivity) is made possible. Not only is the specific electrical resistivity of the resulting fibers reduced (e.g., to extremely low levels no greater than that of copper in preferred embodiments), but the desirable tensile properties of the fibers are maintained at a satisfactory level even after intercalation. A carbonaceous fibrous material containing the usual turbostratic graphitic carbon which is derived from an acrylonitrile homopolymer or a closely related copolymer (as defined) is selected and is structurally modified in a manner which has been found to render it particularly suited for intercalation as evidenced by a further reduction in the electrical resistivity of the resulting intercalated fibrous material while retaining other desirable properties.

Abstract: Raw sewage sludge is combined with a solution of sodium aluminate. Municipal solid waste is then treated with the sludge-aluminate mixture. The treated waste is then carbonized in a furnace.

Abstract: An injection assembly for introducing a plurality of laterally spaced sprays of a normally liquid hydrocarbon feedstock into the cracking zone of a carbon black furnace.

Abstract: High temperature chemical reaction processes utilizing fluid-wall reactors can be conducted in fluid-wall reactors by a process which includes the steps of (a) generating a shell of a refractory material which reflects radiation, the volume enclosed by the shell constituting a black body cavity; (b) generating within the black body cavity an annular envelope of an inert fluid which is substantially transparent to radiation, the envelope having substantial axial length and the interior of the envelope defining a reaction chamber; (c) passing at least one reactant into the black body cavity and through the reaction chamber along a predetermined path substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the reactants being confined within the reaction chamber; and (d) directing high intensity radiant energy into the reaction chamber to coincide with at least a portion of the predetermined path of the reactants, sufficient radiant energy being absorbed within the reaction chamber to raise the tempe

Abstract: High temperature chemical reaction processes utilizing fluid-wall reactors can be conducted in fluid-wall reactors by a process which includes the steps of (1) generating a shell of a refractory material which reflects radiation, the volume enclosed by the shell constituting a black body cavity; (2) generating within the black body cavity an annular envelope of an inert fluid which is substantially transparent to radiation, the envelope having substantial axial length and the interior of the envelope defining a reaction chamber; (3) passing at least one reactant into the black body cavity and through the reaction chamber along a predetermined path substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the reactants being confined within the reaction chamber; and (4) directing high intensity radiant energy into the reaction chamber to coincide with at least a portion of the predetermined path of the reactants, sufficient radiant energy being absorbed within the reaction chamber to raise the tempe

Abstract: Heretofore waste rubber, a substantial amount of it in the form of used automobile tires, has been buried, burned, or otherwise disposed of in manners and by means totally inconsistent with good ecological practices and considerations. Now, such waste or scrap rubber, both natural and synthetic, can readily be converted in the presence of molten acidic halide Lewis salt catalysts to useful products, including fuels comprising a naptha-like oil, a burnable solid carbonaceous material, and a mixture of gases. The most promising salts are zinc chloride, tin chloride, and antimony iodide. Also, an extremely active catalyst can be prepared by adding up to about 60 percent by weight of sodium chloride to the zinc chloride catalyst. The burnable carbonaceous material has been shown to be a carbon black of moderate quality and is believed to be suitable for reuse in tires if blended with high-quality fresh carbon black.

Abstract: A method of treating municipal waste which contains cellulose comprises combining the waste with an alkali metal meta-aluminate, such as sodium aluminate, to form a carbonizing mixture and then heating the carbonizing mixture, in air, to carbonize the waste material.