Treating Carbon Patents (Class 423/460)
  • Patent number: 11858814
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for crystalline graphene nanoribbon-covalent organic frameworks (GNR-COFs) that have a two-dimensional (2D) sheet or film morphology, methods of making thereof, and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Felix Raoul Fischer, Gregory Clinton Veber
  • Patent number: 11789004
    Abstract: A sensitive and selective, in-line method to measure and validate the sulfur content at ppb levels in both the liquid and gas phase of an analyte. The method includes patterning graphene, for example to form a mesa structure comprising horizontal or vertical lines or an array of multidentate star features; functionalizing the patterned graphene and attaching nanoparticles to the functionalized graphene to form a device; exposing the device to an analyte in the gas or liquid phase; detecting a change in electrical response when sulfur is present in the analyte; and recovering the device for future use. Also disclosed is the related sulfur detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Evgeniya H. Lock, F. Keith Perkins, Anthony K. Boyd, Rachael L. Myers-Ward, David Kurt Gaskill, Anindya Nath
  • Patent number: 11697590
    Abstract: A method for making a soft carbon includes providing a coke, and subjecting the coke to a carbonization process. The carbonization process includes a preliminary calcination treatment conducted by calcining the coke at a first temperature ranging from 800° C. to 1000° C. to obtain a pre-calcinated coke, followed by a main calcination treatment conducted by calcining the pre-calcinated coke at a second temperature ranging from 1000° C. to 1200° C., and/or a surface-modifying calcination treatment conducted by calcining the pre-calcinated coke in the presence of a carbonaceous material for modifying surfaces thereof at a third temperature ranging from 1000° C. to 1200° C. A soft carbon made by the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CPC CORPORATION, TAIWAN
    Inventors: Yan-Shi Chen, Chia-Lin Chang, Kuei-Sen Chang, Guo-Hsu Lu
  • Patent number: 11575123
    Abstract: A negative electrode which satisfies a need for high energy density while allowing high-speed charging of a battery. A lithium secondary battery including the negative electrode is also provided. The negative electrode includes: a first negative electrode active material having a first core including a silicon oxide-based composite and a carbon coating layer covering the first core including a silicon oxide-based composite; and a second negative electrode active material having a second core including an artificial graphite and a carbon coating layer covering the second core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Sun-Young Shin, Dong-Hyuk Kim, Yong-Ju Lee, Je-Young Kim, Su-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 11511996
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube composite is a carbon nanotube composite including one carbon nanotube and an amorphous carbon-containing layer that coats the carbon nanotube, the carbon nanotube having a D/G ratio of 0.1 or less, the D/G ratio being a ratio of a peak intensity of a D band to a peak intensity of a G band in Raman spectroscopic analysis with a wavelength of 532 nm, the carbon nanotube composite being fibrous and having a diameter of 0.1 ?m or more and 50 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
    Inventors: Toshihiko Fujimori, Takeshi Hikata, Soichiro Okubo, Jun-ichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 11292720
    Abstract: Method for producing single wall carbon nanotubes, including obtaining a vapor containing nanoparticles of a catalytic substance in an evaporation chamber; obtaining a working mixture in a mixing node at 650-1,400° C. by delivering the vapor to the mixing node from the evaporation chamber in a carrier gas flow, and introducing gaseous hydrocarbons into the mixing node so that the working mixture includes the carrier gas, hydrocarbons, and the nanoparticles, with the nanoparticles having an average size of 1-10 nm, and single wall carbon nanotubes forming on the nanoparticles; feeding the working mixture at 650-1,400° C. to the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber having a distance of at least 0.5 m between its opposite walls; discharging the single wall carbon nanotubes from the reaction chamber in a stream of gaseous products of hydrocarbon decomposition; filtering the single wall carbon nanotubes from the gaseous products of hydrocarbon decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Mikhail Rudolfovich Predtechenskiy
  • Patent number: 11247906
    Abstract: A method of producing graphene sheets directly from graphite mineral (graphite rock) powder, comprising: (a) forming an intercalated graphite compound by an electrochemical intercalation procedure conducted in an intercalation reactor, containing (i) a liquid solution electrolyte comprising an intercalating agent and a graphene plane-wetting agent dissolved therein; (ii) a working electrode that contains the graphite material powder as an active material; and (iii) a counter-electrode, and wherein a current is imposed upon the working electrode and counter electrode at a current density sufficient for effecting electrochemical intercalation of the intercalating agent and/or wetting agent into interlayer spacing, wherein the wetting agent is selected from melamine, ammonium sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, Na(ethylenediamine), tetraalkylammonium salts, ammonia, carbamide, hexamethylenetetramine, organic amine, poly(sodium-4-styrene sulfonate), or a combination thereof; and (b) exfoliating and separating the in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Global Graphene Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z Jang
  • Patent number: 11208571
    Abstract: A method termed “superacid-surfactant exchange” (S2E) for the dispersion of carbon nanomaterials in aqueous solutions. This S2E method enables nondestructive dispersion of carbon nanomaterials (including single-walled carbon nanotubes, double-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-wall carbon nanotubes, and graphene) at rapidly and at large scale in aqueous solution without a requirement for expensive or complicated equipment. Dispersed carbon nanotubes obtained from this method feature long length, low defect density, high electrical conductivity, and in the case of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes, bright photoluminescence in the near-infrared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: YuHuang Wang, Peng Wang, Mijin Kim, Chiyu Zhang
  • Patent number: 11065603
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a porous carbon material having a nitrogen content of 0.6 to 2.0% by mass, a G band half-value width of 51 to 60 cm?1 and an R value of 1.08 to 1.40 measured in a Raman spectrum using a laser having a wavelength of 532 nm, and iodine adsorption performance of 1000 to 1500 mg/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keita Takahashi, Takayuki Yoshikawa, Mitsunori Hitomi, Takayuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 11011748
    Abstract: This invention relates to particulate electroactive materials comprising a plurality of composite particles, wherein the composite particles comprise: (a) a porous carbon framework including micropores and optional mesopores having a total volume of at least 0.7 cm3/g and up to 2 cm3/g, wherein at least half of the total micropore and mesopore volume is in the form of pores having a diameter of no more than 1.5 nm; and (b) silicon located within the micropores and optional mesopores of the porous carbon framework in a defined amount relative to the total volume of the micropores and optional mesopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Nexeon Limited
    Inventors: Charles Mason, Richard Taylor, James Farrell, William Macklin
  • Patent number: 10361450
    Abstract: In various embodiments, exfoliated carbon nanotubes are described in the present disclosure. The carbon nanotubes maintain their exfoliated state, even when not dispersed in a medium such as a polymer or a liquid solution. Methods for making the exfoliated carbon nanotubes include suspending carbon nanotubes in a solution containing a nanocrystalline material, precipitating exfoliated carbon nanotubes from the solution and isolating the exfoliated carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, methods for making exfoliated carbon nanotubes include preparing a solution of carbon nanotubes in an acid and filtering the solution through a filter to collect exfoliated carbon nanotubes on the filter. In other various embodiments, energy storage devices and polymer composites containing exfoliated carbon nanotubes are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Designed Nanotubes, LLC
    Inventors: Clive P. Bosnyak, Kurt W. Swogger
  • Patent number: 10066883
    Abstract: Compressed carbon nanotube aerogel materials can be used in heat management and thermal shielding applications. Methods for heat management and thermal shielding of an object can include placing a compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material between an object and its surrounding environment, and establishing a thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material by exposing the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material to the object or to the surrounding environment. When the object and the surrounding environment are in thermal communication with one another, the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material can reduce an amount of heat transferred between the object and the surrounding environment. As a result of establishing the thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material, an electric current may be generated in some instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Ward, James M. Spatcher
  • Patent number: 9922745
    Abstract: An aggregate of carbon nanotubes has an acid adsorption amount equal to or greater than 0.6 mass % and equal to or less than 12 mass %, which is obtained by subjecting a starting material composition containing carbon nanotubes to a two-stage wet oxidation treatment. A method of producing an aggregate of carbon nanotubes includes a primary oxidation treatment step, wherein a starting material composition containing carbon nanotubes is subjected to a wet oxidation treatment to give a primary treated aggregate of carbon nanotubes having a ratio (G/D ratio) of the height of G band to that of D band in Raman spectroscopic analysis at 532 nm wavelength equal to or greater than 30; and a secondary oxidation treatment step of performing a wet oxidation treatment under an oxidizing condition stronger than that of the primary oxidation treatment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoyo Okamoto, Kazunori Hondo, Hidekazu Nishino, Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 9724667
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides biorefining systems for co-producing activated carbon along with primary products. A host plant converts a feedstock comprising biomass into primary products and carbon-containing co-products; a modular reactor system pyrolyzes and activates the co-products, to generate activated carbon and pyrolysis off-gas; and an oxidation unit oxidizes the pyrolysis off-gas, generating CO2, H2O, and energy. The energy is recycled and utilized in the host plant, and the CO2 and H2O may be recycled to the reactor system as an activation agent. The host plant may be a saw mill, a pulp and paper plant, a corn wet or dry mill, a sugar production facility, or a food or beverage plant, for example. In some embodiments, the activated carbon is utilized at the host plant to purify one or more primary products, to purify water, to treat a liquid waste stream, and/or to treat a vapor waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Carbon Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daniel J. Despen, David Reamer
  • Patent number: 9682363
    Abstract: A method for producing an activated carbon material comprises the steps of producing a hot flue gas stream from a combustion process in a first reactor; routing a first part of said flue gas stream to a second reactor that is substantially vertical; routing a second part of said flue gas stream to eventual venting; injecting and suspending a carbonaceous starting material into said second reactor to devolatilize and activate the carbonaceous starting material to produce an activated carbon material; separating the activated carbon material in a separating device; and routing the gas stream from said separating step to the first reactor for incineration of the volatile contents released from said injecting and suspending step. The activated carbon material is suited for the removal of vapor phase air toxics, such as mercury, from the flue gas of a coal fired power plant. An apparatus for producing the activated carbon material for the same purpose is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Jianhui Hong, Charles A. White, Dan Wallace, Peter Lavelle, Darrel Scribner
  • Patent number: 9623371
    Abstract: A method for digestion and gasification of graphite for removal from an underlying surface is described. The method can be utilized to remove graphite remnants of a formation process from the formed metal piece in a cleaning process. The method can be particularly beneficial in cleaning castings formed with graphite molding materials. The method can utilize vaporous nitric acid (HNO3) or vaporous HNO3 with air/oxygen to digest the graphite at conditions that can avoid damage to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 9617151
    Abstract: A method for controlling density, porosity and/or gap size within a nanotube fabric layer is disclosed. In one aspect, this can be accomplished by controlling the degree of rafting in a nanotube fabric. In one aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of individual nanotube elements dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A high concentration of individual nanotube elements will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a lower concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In another aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of ionic particles dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A low concentration of ionic particles will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a higher concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In other aspects, both concentration parameters are adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nantero Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Sen, J. Thomas Kocab, Feng Gu
  • Patent number: 9163192
    Abstract: A process for treating input coal includes treating input coal in a pyrolysis step to form coal char. The pyrolysis step includes heating the coal substantially in the absence of oxygen to remove volatile material from the coal. The volatile material evolved from the coal in the pyrolysis step is treated to separate the volatile material into gases and liquids, wherein the liquids contain condensed volatile material. A portion of the liquids is directed to the coal char, and the returned portion of the liquids is mixed with the coal char, thereby returning some of the volatile material to the coal char.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: C2O Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Franklin G. Rinker
  • Patent number: 9040015
    Abstract: Provided are a method for post-treatment of a carbonaceous material using dehydrocyclization, a carbonaceous material post-treated by the method, and a polymer composite material including the carbonaceous material. More particularly, provided are a method for post-treatment of a carbonaceous material using dehydrocyclization, including subjecting the carbonaceous material to dehydrocyclization at room temperature to heal structural defects in the carbonaceous material, while increasing the effective conjugated length of the carbonaceous material to improve the electrical conductivity thereof, as well as a carbonaceous material post-treated by the method and a polymer composite material including the carbonaceous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Munju Goh, Ok-kyung Park, Yong Mun Choi, Bon-Cheol Ku, Joong Hee Lee, Nam Ho You, Han Sol You
  • Patent number: 9023308
    Abstract: Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Peerless Worldwide, LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. Shankman
  • Publication number: 20150118492
    Abstract: The method of the present disclosure is directed towards the formation of a three-dimensional carbon structure and includes the steps of adding a radical initiator to an amount of carbon starting material, forming a mixture, placing the mixture in a mold, maintaining the mixture and the mold at an elevated temperature for a period of time to form a thermally cross-linked molded mixture and removing the thermally cross-linked molded mixture from the mold. The disclosure also includes a three-dimensional carbon structure, with that structure including a thermally cross-linked carbon base material in a predetermined formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Balaji Sitharaman, Gaurav Lalwani
  • Patent number: 9018131
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for forming activated carbon comprising providing a feedstock mixture comprising a carbon feedstock and at least one chemical activating agent, heating the feedstock mixture to at least the fluxing temperature of the feedstock mixture to form a feedstock melt, atomizing the feedstock melt and introducing the atomized feedstock mixture into a reactor, rapidly heating the atomized feedstock to at least the solidification temperature by introducing a hot stream into the reactor, introducing the heated feedstock mixture into a reaction vessel, and holding the heated feedstock mixture in the reaction vessel at a temperature and for a time sufficient to react the carbon feedstock with the at least one chemical activating agent to form activated carbon, wherein rapidly heating the atomized feedstock comprises heating the mixture within a time period sufficient to maintain the feedstock mixture in a substantially solid state throughout the rapid heating stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: James Gerard Fagan
  • Publication number: 20150110707
    Abstract: A method for making activated carbon includes heating a mixture of a carbon precursor or a carbonized precursor and a chemical activating agent in a furnace. The furnace includes an internal surface either formed from or lined with a corrosion resistant material such as high purity silicon carbide or silicon nitride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kishor Purushottam Gadkaree, Jia Liu
  • Publication number: 20150104372
    Abstract: Methods for forming holey carbon allotropes and graphene nanomeshes are provided by the various embodiments. The various embodiments may be applicable to a variety of carbon allotropes, such as graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, thermal exfoliated graphene, graphene nanoribbons, graphite, exfoliated graphite, expanded graphite, carbon nanotubes (e.g., single-walled carbon nanotubes, double-walled carbon nanotubes, few-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, etc.), carbon nanofibers, carbon fibers, carbon black, amorphous carbon, fullerenes, etc. The methods may produce holey carbon allotropes without the use of solvents, catalysts, flammable gas, additional chemical agents, or electrolysis to produce the pores (e.g., holes, etc.) in the carbon allotropes. In an embodiment, a carbon allotrope may be heated at a working window temperature for a working period of time to create holes in the carbon allotrope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Yi Lin, Jae-Woo Kim, John W. Connell, Michael R. Funk, Caroline J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8993170
    Abstract: A composite carbon material of negative electrode in lithium ion, which is made of composite graphite, includes a spherical graphite and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer is pyrolytic carbon of organic substance. Inserted transition metal elements are contained between layers of graphite crystal. Preparation of the negative electrode includes the steps of: crushing graphite, shaping to form a spherical shape, purifying treatment, washing, dewatering and drying, dipped in salt solution doped by transition metal in multivalence, mixed with organic matter, covering treatment, and carbonizing treatment or graphitization treatment. The negative electrode provides advantages of reversible specific capacity larger than 350 mAh/g, coulomb efficiency higher than 94% at first cycle, conservation rate for capacity larger than 8-% in 500 times of circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BTR New Energy Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Min Yue, Wanhong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150030526
    Abstract: A method for producing activated carbon includes heating a phenolic novolac resin carbon precursor at a carbonization temperature effective to form a carbon material, and reacting the carbon material with CO2 at an activation temperature effective to form the activated carbon. The resulting activated carbon can be incorporated into a carbon-based electrode of an EDLC. Such EDLC can exhibit a potential window and thus an attendant operating voltage of greater than 3V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kishor Purushottam Gadkaree, Andrew Fleitz Husted, Xiaorong Liu
  • Publication number: 20150030527
    Abstract: A method for producing activated carbon includes heating a coconut shell carbon precursor at a carbonization temperature effective to form a carbon material, and reacting the carbon material with CO2 at an activation temperature effective to form the activated carbon. The resulting activated carbon can be incorporated into a carbon-based electrode of an EDLC. Such EDLC can exhibit a potential window and thus an attendant operating voltage of greater than 3V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kishor Purushottam Gadkaree, Atul Kumar
  • Patent number: 8940267
    Abstract: A method of purifying a nanodiamond powder includes preparing the nanodiamond powder, heating the nanodiamond powder at between 450° C. and 470° C. in an atmosphere including oxygen, performing a hydrochloric acid treatment on the heated nanodiamond powder, and performing a hydrofluoric acid treatment on the nanodiamond powder obtained after performing the hydrochloric acid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona, Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Robert A. Norwood, Palash Gangopadhyay, Alexander Ashton Miles, Jun Kato, Shabnam Virji-Khalfan, Mamoru Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 8926932
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Peter Pfeifer, Galen J. Suppes, Parag Shah, Jacob W. Burress
  • Patent number: 8920764
    Abstract: A method of forming a composition includes oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alexander Star, Narasimha Harindra Vedala, Gregg Peter Kotchey
  • Patent number: 8894962
    Abstract: A carbon material and a method of manufacturing the carbon material are provided that can improve hardness and physical properties while fully gaining the benefit of SPS method, which makes it possible to obtain a dense carbon material with very short time. The carbon material is manufactured by a first step of filling mixture powder containing a carbon aggregate and a binder in a mold, and a second step of sintering the mixture powder by a spark plasma sintering method while compressing the mixture powder. The carbon material is characterized by having a Shore hardness HSD value of 60 or greater, and having a thermal expansion anisotropy ratio, an electrical resistivity anisotropy ratio, or a thermal conductivity anisotropy ratio, of 1.5 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Megumu Doi, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto, Yoshinari Miyamoto, Masao Tokita
  • Patent number: 8883042
    Abstract: Graphene production using a continuous or pulsed laser beam focused on a substrate of graphite oxide in a significantly inert environment is disclosed. Laser-induced graphene features are characterized by a 2D-band in the Raman spectra. When the photons of the laser at a various frequencies and power levels beam impinge a graphite oxide foil for various amounts of time, a strip, divet, trench, or hole, having graphene at the bottom or sides is produced. The concentration of the graphite oxide and the laser beam may be adjusted so that the depth of the trench created is a certain depth less than the thickness of the foil. Additionally, in some embodiments, the evaporation of the water during the Hummers method is adjusted so that there remains interlaminar water in the graphite oxide foil. The presently disclosed subject matter may also be used in patterning using rastering or substrate motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Denis Aleksandrovich Sokolov, Kristin Rene Shepperd, Thomas Michael Orlando
  • Patent number: 8883114
    Abstract: A method of producing nano-scaled graphene platelets (NGPs) having an average thickness no greater than 50 nm, typically less than 2 nm, and, in many cases, no greater than 1 nm. The method comprises (a) intercalating a supply of meso-carbon microbeads (MCMBs) to produce intercalated MCMBs; and (b) exfoliating the intercalated MCMBs at a temperature and a pressure for a sufficient period of time to produce the desired NGPs. Optionally, the exfoliated product may be subjected to a mechanical shearing treatment, such as air milling, air jet milling, ball milling, pressurized fluid milling, rotating-blade grinding, or ultrasonicating. The NGPs are excellent reinforcement fillers for a range of matrix materials to produce nanocomposites. Nano-scaled graphene platelets are much lower-cost alternatives to carbon nano-tubes or carbon nano-fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Jiusheng Guo, Bor Z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20140328745
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a roll-shaped carbonaceous film by polymer pyrolysis while suppressing the occurrence of fusion bonding in the roll-shaped carbonaceous film. The carbonaceous film production method includes the step of heat-treating a polymer film wound into a roll, wherein, at a temperature equal to or higher than the pyrolysis onset temperature of the polymer film but equal to or lower than a temperature at which the weight of the polymer film is reduced by 40% as compared to that before heat treatment, the roll-shaped polymer film has (2-1) a gap between layers of the polymer film so that a value determined for the whole roll-shaped polymer film by dividing the thickness of the gap between adjacent layers of the polymer film (Ts) by the thickness of the polymer film (Tf) (Ts/Tf) satisfies a relationship of 0.33?Ts/Tf?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Mishiro, Yusuke Ohta, Takashi Inada, Yasushi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8865102
    Abstract: A method of producing a carbon material which is mainly composed of graphene-containing carbon particles is provided. The method includes a step of producing carbon particles from an organic material by maintaining a mixture containing the organic substance as a starting material, hydrogen peroxide and water under conditions of a temperature of 300° C. to 1000° C. and a pressure of 22 MPa or more. The method further includes a step of heat-treating the carbon particles at a higher temperature than the temperature maintained in the carbon particle producing step. The carbon material produced by the present method has a structure in which substances such as ions can easily enter and leave the graphene structures of the carbon particles, making the carbon material be useful as active materials of secondary batteries and electric double layer capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morinobu Endo, Yong Jung Kim, Akira Tsujiko
  • Patent number: 8865113
    Abstract: Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Peerless Worldwide, LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. Shankman
  • Patent number: 8865106
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, a composite raw material and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes sulfonating a polycyclic aromatic compound to form a polycyclic aromatic carbon sulfonate (PCAS); and mixing the polycyclic aromatic carbon sulfonate and a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form a composite raw material. In another embodiment of the disclosure, a carbon fiber containing the composite raw material described above and a method for forming the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tun-Fun Way, Yu-Ting Chen, Jiun-Jy Chen, Hsiao-Chuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20140306148
    Abstract: A process for the preparation from a partially decomposed organic material like peat a granulated or pelletized sorption medium using low-temperature, thermal activation of the sorption medium to produce a high degree of granule or pellet hardness balanced against an efficacious level of ion-exchange and adsorption capacity, followed by chemical treatment of the thermally-activated sorption material via an acid solution and a salt solution to increase its ion-exchange and adsorption performance while minimizing the transfer of natural impurities found in the sorption medium to an aqueous solution is provided by this invention. The sorption medium of this invention can be used in a variety of aqueous solution treatment processes, such as wastewater treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicants: Regents of the University of Minnesota, American Peat Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Igor V. Kolomitsyn, Peggy Wallgren Jones, Douglas A. Green
  • Publication number: 20140294717
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for forming activated carbon comprising providing a feedstock mixture comprising a carbon feedstock and at least one chemical activating agent, heating the feedstock mixture to at least the fluxing temperature of the feedstock mixture to form a feedstock melt, atomizing the feedstock melt and introducing the atomized feedstock mixture into a reactor, rapidly heating the atomized feedstock to at least the solidification temperature by introducing a hot stream into the reactor, introducing the heated feedstock mixture into a reaction vessel, and holding the heated feedstock mixture in the reaction vessel at a temperature and for a time sufficient to react the carbon feedstock with the at least one chemical activating agent to form activated carbon, wherein rapidly heating the atomized feedstock comprises heating the mixture within a time period sufficient to maintain the feedstock mixture in a substantially solid state throughout the rapid heating stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James Gerard Fagan
  • Publication number: 20140287306
    Abstract: An electrode material is provided. The electrode material includes a porous carbon material, wherein the porous carbon material has a half-width of diffraction intensity peak of a (100) face or a (101) face of 4 degrees or less with reference to a diffraction angle 2 theta on a basis of an X-ray diffraction method. An absolute value of a differential value of mass can be obtained when a mixture of the porous carbon material and S8 sulfur mixed at a mass ratio of 1:2 is subjected to thermal analysis, where temperature is employed as a parameter, has a value of more than 0 at 450° C. and a value of 1.9 or more at 400° C. A battery and method of manufacture are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Takeshi, Seiichiro Tabata, Hironori Iida, Shun Yamanoi, Yosuke Saito, Koichiro Hinokuma, Shinichiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8840862
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous high temperature gas treatment of particulate matter including a starting material supply port (1) through which starting particulate matter is supplied from an upper part of the apparatus; a treatment, gas supply port (2) through which a treating gas is supplied; a product discharge port (3) through which a product after treatment is discharged from a lower part of the apparatus; a treatment chamber (4) in which the particulate matter is treated with the treatment gas; a gas-solid separation chamber (5) provided in fluid communication with an upper part of the treatment chamber (4); and a cooling chamber (6) provided in fluid communication with a lower part of the treatment chamber (4). A heater (7) is provided on the outer periphery of the upper part of the treatment chamber (4), and a cooler (8) is provided on the outer periphery of the cooling chamber (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kureha Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohashi, Masaru Kagoshima, Yoshiki Shigaki
  • Publication number: 20140264143
    Abstract: Porositized/activated carbon processed from carbon or carbonaceous raw materials. The porositization process comprises: (1) loading porositizing agents; (2) thermal treatment; and (3) porous generation. In another embodiment, the porositization process comprises: (1) loading porositizing agents; and (2) thermal treatment wherein the carbon or carbonaceous materials undergo carbonization and self-activation during the thermal treatment. Activated carbon products that exhibit magnetic functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
    Inventors: Sheldon Q. Shi, Changlei Xia
  • Patent number: 8835351
    Abstract: An additive for hydroconversion processes includes a solid organic material having a particle size of between about 0.1 and about 2,000 ?m, a bulk density of between about 500 and about 2,000 kg/m3, a skeletal density of between about 1,000 and about 2,000 kg/m3 and a humidity of between 0 and about 5 wt %. Methods for preparation and use of the additive are also provided. By the use of the additive of the present invention, the hydroconversion process can be performed at high conversion level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Canelon, Angel Rivas, Omayra Delgado, Miguel Paiva, Giuseppe Di Sarli, Luis Zacaris
  • Patent number: 8790610
    Abstract: A method of forming composite materials includes dispersing a conjugated material, a solvent for the conjugated material, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene including structures having an outer surface to form a dispersion. The solvent is evaporated from the dispersion to yield a CNT or graphene composite including a plurality of crystalline supramolecular structures having the conjugated material non-covalently secured to the outer surface of the CNT or the graphene including structure. The supramolecular structures have an average length which extends outward in a length direction from the outer surface of the CNT or graphene including structure, where the average length is greater than an average width of the supramolecular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Zhai, Jianhua Liu, Jianhua Zou, Anindarupa Chunder
  • Patent number: 8784663
    Abstract: A trap Including: an inlet configured to receive a fluid conveying nanostructures; ionic liquid configured to trap the nanostructures; and an outlet for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Di Wei, Zoran Radivojevic, Markku Antti Kyosti Rouvala, Teuvo Tapani Ryhänen
  • Patent number: 8778230
    Abstract: A subject-matter of the invention is a novel process for the preparation of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials by impregnation with a strong sulphur-based acid, the materials capable of being obtained according to this process and the use of these materials with improved supercapacitance properties to produce electrodes intended for energy storage systems. Electrodes composed of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials according to the invention and lithium batteries and supercapacitors having such electrodes also form part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitchinson
    Inventors: David Ayme-Perrot, Marie Dieudonné, Philippe Sonntag, Anne-Caroline Pasquier
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140191165
    Abstract: Provided are a method for post-treatment of a carbonaceous material using dehydrocyclization, a carbonaceous material post-treated by the method, and a polymer composite material including the carbonaceous material. More particularly, provided are a method for post-treatment of a carbonaceous material using dehydrocyclization, including subjecting the carbonaceous material to dehydrocyclization at room temperature to heal structural defects in the carbonaceous material, while increasing the effective conjugated length of the carbonaceous material to improve the electrical conductivity thereof, as well as a carbonaceous material post-treated by the method and a polymer composite material including the carbonaceous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Munju GOH, Ok-kyung PARK, Yong Mun CHOI, Bon-Cheol KU, Joong Hee LEE, Nam Ho YOU, Han Sol YOU
  • Patent number: 8771623
    Abstract: Residual impurity reduction methods and apparatus are provided. A method comprises conducting a gaseous stream through an unlined portion of a pipe, wherein the gaseous stream comprises sodium and wherein the unlined portion of the pipe is at least about eighteen inches long, injecting a neutralizing agent into the gaseous stream at an injection point, wherein the injection point is located at a point where the sodium is in at least a partially condensed state. The gaseous stream is conducted through a heated portion of a pipe and a cooled portion of a pipe. In addition, methods and apparatus may include a trap system for use with a carbonization furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Centa, Greg Hawkins, Doug Hayes
  • Patent number: 8771627
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Serge Bordere, Daniel Cochard, Eric Dutilh, Patrice Gaillard, André Lozowski, Dominique Plee