Recovery Or Purification Patents (Class 423/461)
  • Patent number: 11578271
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining carbon fiber from carbon fiber waste (e.g., pre-preg and CFP waste). The method and apparatus selects, or is controlled to select, between using an oxygen free pyrolytic process to volatilize the epoxy resin or other matrix in which the fibers are held to liberate the fibers therefrom and, depending upon the type of pre-preg waste, using a reactor environment where the reactor atmosphere has about 1% to about 2% oxygen by volume. The reactor has a counterflow such that the carbon fibers are moved in one direction and the off gasses are moved in the opposite direction. A combination of steam at the reactor outlet and vacuum pressure at the reactor inlet create the counter flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Carbon Fiber Recycling, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffin, II
  • Patent number: 11131503
    Abstract: A method of manufacture for a carbon/carbon part including a method to remove contamination from an intermediate product of the carbon/carbon part and furnace utilizing a gaseous reducing agent hydrogen gas to reduce the contaminates, thereby causing the contaminates to transition to a gaseous state at relatively lower temperatures. A method to remove contamination from an intermediate product of the carbon/carbon part and furnace utilizing hydrogen gas to reduce the contaminates, thereby causing the contaminates to transition to a gaseous state at relatively lower temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Weiming Lu
  • Patent number: 11078372
    Abstract: A coating liquid includes: ultrafine zinc oxide particles; a polyester resin; an ammonium polycarboxylate salt; and water, in which an amount of the ammonium polycarboxylate salt is from 1 to 35 mass % with respect to that of the ultrafine zinc oxide particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miyu Matsui, Iori Takeuchi, Masayuki Kashimura
  • Patent number: 11046584
    Abstract: A method of producing advanced carbon materials can include providing coal to a processing facility, beneficiating the coal to remove impurities from the coal, processing the beneficiated coal to produce a pitch, and treating the pitch to produce an advanced carbon material such as carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, resins, polymers, biomaterials, or other carbon materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Carbon Holdings Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Agee Atkins, Garrett W. Lindemann, Matthew Targett
  • Patent number: 11040874
    Abstract: A reactive process for converting hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen gas and sulfur and a reactor for effecting such process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Standard Hydrogen Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Wasas, Mariavicenta Wasas
  • Patent number: 10723954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for recovering (recycling) carbon fibers from carbon fiber-containing plastics, in particular from carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFPs), preferably from carbon fiber-containing and/or carbon fiber-reinforced composites (composite materials), and also to the recycled carbon fibers obtainable by the process according to the invention and the use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ELG Carbon Fibre International GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Gehr
  • Patent number: 10233269
    Abstract: A compound containing a structural unit derived from a novel vinyl ether compound. This compound contains a structural unit represented by formula (1), in which the rings (Z1, Z2, Y1, Y2) are aromatic hydrocarbon rings; X1 and X2 represent a single bond or —S—; R represents a single bond or a specific divalent group; R1a and R1b represent a single bond or a C1-4 alkylene group; R2a and R2b represent a specific substituent group such as a monovalent hydrocarbon group; R3a and R3b represent a cyano group, a halogen atom, or a monovalent hydrocarbon; m1 and m2 are integers of 0 or greater; n1 and n2 are integers of 0-4; V1 is a group represented by formulas (a1)-(a3); and V2 is a group represented by formulas (a1)-(a4). In formulas (a1)-(a4), * represents a bonding hand, while ** and *** represent a bonding hand with an oxygen atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TOKYO OHKA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dai Shiota, Kunihiro Noda, Hiroki Chisaka
  • Patent number: 9960293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a transparent electrode using a carbon nanotube (CNT) film, and more particularly, to a method for preparing a transparent electrode, the method comprising the steps of forming a CNT film on a desired substrate using a dispersed solution of CNT and then reducing/forming metal nanoparticles on the surface of the CNT film. According to the present invention, a transparent electrode in which gold nanoparticles are formed on the surface of high density CNT film having high purity, can be prepared. The inventive transparent electrode has high visible ray penetration and an excellent electrical conductivity by hyperfine metal particles uniformly formed on the surface thereof as well as a uniform increase in electrical conductivity over the whole CNT film, and thus it can be applied to various displays as well as image sensors, solar cells, touch panels, digital papers, electromagnetic shielding agents, static charge preventing agents and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hee-Tae Jung, Byung-Seon Kong
  • Patent number: 9947935
    Abstract: A method for forming a carbon supported catalyst includes a step of providing a first carbon supported catalyst having a platinum-group metal supported on a first carbon support. Characteristically, the first carbon support has a first average micropore diameter and a first average carbon surface area. The first carbon supported catalyst is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature less than about 450° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a second carbon supported catalyst, wherein the first carbon support or the second carbon supported catalyst is acid leached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anusorn Kongkanand, Michael K. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 9468922
    Abstract: Pyrolysis of machined osseous tissue results in a monolith of carbon interwoven within the HA scaffold native to the original tissue. This HA framework prevents the collapse of the carbon to dense forms during pyrolysis. Upon removal of the HA scaffold after pyrolysis, a monolith that preserves the macroscopic form of the carbon remains. The monolith is placed in a solution of catalyst, noble metal ions for example, which is then reduced to facilitate the precipitation of nanoparticles of the catalyst. The novelty of this invention is that a high number of particles are contained within a relatively small, extremely high surface area solid support. The current invention demonstrates that the pyrolysis of intact bovine cortical bone produces high-carbon-surface-area monoliths, which can be used as a scaffold for reusable catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul A. Goodman
  • Patent number: 9416253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon fiber-containing particles, preferably in the form of pellets or granules, which are suitable, in particular, for producing carbon fiber-containing (composite) materials, preferably carbon fiber-containing plastics, and also a process for producing them and their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ELG CARBON FIBRE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Marco Gehr
  • Patent number: 9416009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying electrical properties of carbon nanotubes by subjecting a composition of carbon nanotubes to one or more radical initiator(s). The invention also relates to an electronic component such as field-effect transistor comprising a carbon nanotube obtained using the method of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the modified carbon nanotubes in conductive and high-strength nanotube/polymer composites, transparent electrodes, sensors and nanoelectromechanical devices, additives for batteries, radiation sources, semiconductor devices (e.g. transistors) or interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Jianwen Zhao, Lain-Jong Li, Peng Chen, Bee Eng Mary Chan
  • Patent number: 9355845
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for assembling semiconducting nanowires, which method can include providing a mixture comprising a dielectric solvent and two or more semiconducting nanowires, wherein the semiconducting nanowires can be the same or different; exposing the mixture to an electrostatic charge under lighting conditions; and allowing macroscopic nanowire alignment to occur, wherein each nanowire is substantially oriented along the direction of the applied electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame du Lac
    Inventors: Nattasamon Petchsang, Masaru Kuno, Vladimir Plashnitsa
  • Patent number: 9139738
    Abstract: A system and method for preparing a pelletized carbon black product is provided. The system includes a source of a carbon black product from a pyrolysis process. A mixer is in communication with the source of the carbon black product. A binder oil storage tank is in fluid communication with the mixer. The binder oil storage tank is configured to inject a desired amount of a binder oil into the mixer to form the pelletized carbon black product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TELLUS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Hamby, Michael R. Beck, Jr.
  • 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
  • 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: 8881908
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT, comprising treating with a physical separation means of centrifugation, freezing-thawing-squeezing, diffusion, permeation or the like using a gel containing CNT as a dispersed and isolated state (CNT-containing gel), to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and make metallic CNT exist in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura
  • Patent number: 8876969
    Abstract: A process for lowering the carbon content in ash includes introducing the ash having a carbon content of 1 to 20 wt-% into a reactor where the ash is burnt at a temperature between 700 and 1100° C. Fuel is also introduced into the reactor. During combustion, microwave radiation is fed into the reactor. At least part of the energy released during the combustion is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Nikola Anastasijevic, Guenter Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140301938
    Abstract: Provided is a method of separating carbon and oxygen isotopes by using a laser. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes performing a photolysis process on formaldehyde including a carbon or oxygen isotope by irradiation with ultraviolet light having a wavelength ranging from 340 nm to 360 nm to generate carbon monoxide having a carbon or oxygen isotope enriched therein and hydrogen, performing a catalytic reaction on the carbon monoxide having a carbon or oxygen isotope enriched therein and the hydrogen to synthesize carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) having a carbon or oxygen isotope enriched therein, and cooling the H2O to recover CO2 having a carbon isotope enriched therein or H2O having an oxygen isotope enriched therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Do-Young Jeong, Hyoun-Min Park, Yong-Ho Cha, Dong-Yong Chung
  • Publication number: 20140301921
    Abstract: Amine-aldehyde resins are disclosed for removing a wide variety of solids and/or ionic species from the liquids in which they are suspended and/or dissolved. These resins are especially useful as froth flotation depressants, for example in the beneficiation of value materials (e.g., bitumen, coal, or kaolin clay) to remove impurities such as sand. The resins are also useful for treating aqueous liquid suspensions to remove solid particulates, as well as for removing metallic ions in the purification of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: James T. Wright, John B. Hines, Lisa M. Arthur, Carl R. White, Kurt D. Gabrielson, Michael J. Cousin
  • Publication number: 20140301937
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions useful in the separation of fullerenes from a mixture comprising fullerenes. Also provided herein are methods of making the compositions, as well as methods of using the compositions for fullerene separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Qi Wang, Chenxi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8852444
    Abstract: The present teachings provide, in part, methods of separating two-dimensional nanomaterials by atomic layer thickness. In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide methods of generating graphene nanomaterials having a controlled number of atomic layer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Alexander A. Green, Mark C. Hersam
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8734684
    Abstract: A method for producing a metallic carbon nanotube, by which a dispersion with a high concentration can be obtained. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a metallic carbon nanotube, which comprises a fullerene addition step wherein fullerenes are added into a carbon nanotube-containing solution in which metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes are mixed, and a taking-out step wherein carbon nanotubes dispersed by the added fullerenes are taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Kitano
  • Publication number: 20140112859
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing an elongated (rolled) carbonaceous film by polymer pyrolysis while suppressing the fusion bonding and the rippling of the carbonaceous film. The method for producing a carbonaceous film includes the step of heat-treating a polymer film wound into a roll, wherein the heat treatment is performed after the polymer film is wound into a roll at a temperature lower than a pyrolysis onset temperature of the polymer film so that the roll of polymer film has a center and has a space inside its cross-sectional circle (50% cross-sectional circle) (space within 50% cross-sectional circle) whose center is at the center and whose circumference passes through a point at which a length of the polymer film from an inner end thereof is 50% of a total length of the polymer film and that an area of the space within 50% cross-sectional circle is 25% or more of an area of the 50% cross-sectional circle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Mishiro, Yusuke Ohta, Takashi Inada, Yasushi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8703092
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a two-phase liquid-liquid extraction process that enables sorting and separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on (n, m) type and/or diameter. The two-phase liquid extraction method of the invention is based upon the selective reaction of certain types of nanotubes with electron withdrawing functional groups as well as the interaction between a phase transfer agent and ionic moieties on the functionalized nanotubes when combined in a two-phase liquid solution. Preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of metallic/semi-metallic nanotubes from semi-conducting nanotubes. More preferably, the subject invention enables efficient, bulk separation of specific (n, m) types of nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Jeremy Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8697025
    Abstract: In the raw coke composition of the invention, as the starting material for a negative electrode material of a lithium ion secondary battery, the ratio of the crystallite size Lc(002) and lattice constant co(002) (Lc(002)/co(002)) on the 002 plane is no greater than 180, and the ratio of the crystallite size La(110) and the lattice constant ao(110) (La(110)/ao(110)) on the 110 plane is no greater than 1500, as determined by X-ray diffraction upon graphitizing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 2800° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Tamotsu Tano, Takashi Oyama, Hiromitsu Hashisaka, Akio Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8691180
    Abstract: A method for controlled deposition and orientation of molecular sized nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) on substrates is disclosed. The method comprised: forming a thin layer of polymer coating on a substrate; exposing a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer to alter a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer; forming a suspension of nanostructures in a solvent, wherein the solvent suspends the nanostructures and activates the nanostructures in the solvent for deposition; and flowing a suspension of nanostructures across the layer of polymer in a flow direction; thereby: depositing a nanostructure in the suspension of nanostructures only to the selected portion of the thin layer of polymer coating on the substrate to form a deposited nanostructure oriented in the flow direction. By selectively employing portions of the method above, complex NEMS may be built of simpler NEMSs components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Alex K. Zettl, Thomas D. Yuzvinsky, Adam M. Fennimore
  • Patent number: 8691177
    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: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Peter Pfeifer, Galen J. Suppes, Parag Shah, Jacob W. Burress
  • Patent number: 8641999
    Abstract: Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition is used to form single crystal diamond from a seed and methane. A susceptor is used to support the seed. Under certain conditions, crystalline grit is formed in addition to the diamond. The crystalline grit in one embodiment comprises mono crystals or twin crystals of carbon, each having its own nucleus. The crystals form in columns or tendrils to the side of the monocrystalline diamond or off a side of the susceptor. The crystals may have bonding imperfections which simulate doping, providing conductivity. They may also be directly doped. Many tools may be coated with the grit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: SCIO Diamond Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Doering, Alfred Genis, Robert C. Linares, John J. Calabria
  • Publication number: 20140017568
    Abstract: A non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material may be produced by supplying a carbonized precursor material, heating the carbonized precursor material in a first heating step at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to produce a heat-treated carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass, purifying the heat-treated carbon material, and heating the purified heat-treated carbon material in a second heating step at a temperature and for a duration to produce a non-activated, majority non-graphitic amorphous carbon material that has a specific surface area less than about 500 m2/g and is less than about 20% graphitic by mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Kishor Purushottam Gadkaree, James Robert Lim
  • 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: 8617492
    Abstract: A system for making low volatile carbonaceous material including a digestion vessel in communication with a carbonaceous material feedstock unit for producing a digested carbonaceous material; an extraction vessel in communication with the digestion vessel, the extraction vessel containing supercritical carbon dioxide fluid for extracting hydrocarbons from the digested carbonaceous material to produce an extract solvent and the low volatile carbonaceous material; and at least one separation vessel in communication with the extraction vessel for separating the extract solvent to a carbon dioxide gas and a stream of extracted hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Carbonxt Group Limited
    Inventors: Randall J. Harris, Damian Wales
  • Patent number: 8608969
    Abstract: A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8597605
    Abstract: A method for removing impurities from carbon nanotubes is described. Impurities may be removed from the carbon nanotubes by exposing the carbon nanotubes to a temperature, and controlling the temperature such that the temperature is constantly increasing to remove at least a portion of the impurities from the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Temple University—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Nikolay N. Dementev, Eric U. Borguet
  • Patent number: 8591858
    Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing high quality carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are provided. The method provides the means for optimization of amount of carbon precursor and transport gas per unit weight of catalyst. In certain aspects, methods are provided wherein a supported metal catalyst is contacted with a carbon precursor gas at about one atmosphere pressure, wherein SWNTs are synthesized at a growth rate of about 0.002 ?m/sec to about 0.003 ?m/sec and the SWNTs have a ratio of G-band to D-band in Raman spectra (IG:ID) of greater than about 4. Efficiencies of about 20% can be achieved when contacting the catalyst deposited on a support with a carbon precursor gas with a flow rates of about 4.2×10?3 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) at 780° C. Hydrocarbon flow rates of about 1.7 10?2 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) and higher result in faster carbon SWNTs growth with improved quality. Slower rates of carbon atoms supply (˜4.5×1020 C atoms/s·g Fe or 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Avetik R. Harutyunyan, Elena Mora
  • Patent number: 8557190
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Shiraki, Takeji Murai, Yuzo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8512668
    Abstract: To provide a method for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT by treating a CNT-containing gel or a CNT dispersion as combined with a gel, according to a physical separation means to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and metallic CNT exist in solution, in which the semiconducting CNT adsorbed by gel are collected in a more simplified manner not dissolving the gel. A CNT-containing gel or a CNT dispersion combined with a gel is treated according to a physical separation means of a centrifugal method, a freezing squeezing method, a diffusion method or a permeation method, to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and metallic CNT exist in solution so that the metallic CNT and the semiconducting CNT are separated from each other, and further, a suitable eluent is made to react on the gel that adsorbs semiconducting CNT to elute the semiconducting CNT from the gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura, Huaping Liu
  • Patent number: 8491892
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a particulate active carbon, in particular in the form of active carbon particles, preferably active carbon beads, for the field of medicine and/or for the production of a medicament, wherein the active carbon employed has a large micropore volume content, based on the total pore volume of the active carbon. A microporous active carbon of this type if particularly suitable for medicinal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Blucher GmbH
    Inventors: Hasso Von Blücher, Oliver Böhm, Michael Klemund
  • Patent number: 8465647
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes from double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using the difference in the buoyant density of Single-Walled versus Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a vessel with first and second solutions. The first solution comprises a quantity of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled carbon nanotubes and double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The single walled nanotubes have a first density, the double and multi-walled nanotubes having a second density. The second solution in the vessel has a third density between said first and second densities. The vessel is centrifuged to form first and second layers in the vessel, with the second solution between said first and second layers. The single-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the first layer, and the second and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ageeth A. Bol, George S. Tulevski
  • Publication number: 20130121909
    Abstract: A method of purification and modification of carbon nanoproduct involves forcing a mixture of the dehydrated air or oxygen or ozone or any combination thereof through the carbon nanoproduct under pressure up to 0.8 MPa accompanied by mixing of the carbon nanoproduct and heating in the temperature range from +20 to +550° C. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Igor Leonidovich Petrov, Yuriy Alekseevich Skryabin, Olga Alexander Shenderova
  • Patent number: 8439202
    Abstract: To effectively utilize coal ash while reducing mercury concentration in cement kiln exhaust gas. Coal ash is received from a thermal power plant or the like; the received coal ash is separated into ash and unburned carbon; the separated ash is utilized in a cement manufacturing facility as a cement raw material; and the separated unburned carbon is utilized in the cement manufacturing facility in accordance with mercury concentration in gas exhausted from a cement kiln of the cement manufacturing facility. In case that the mercury concentration in the gas exhausted from the cement kiln of the cement manufacturing facility is high, in the coal ash, unburned carbon with high mercury content can be treated in facilities other than the cement manufacturing facility without feeding the unburned carbon to the cement manufacturing facility, or the quantity of such unburned carbon fed to the cement manufacturing facility can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Taiheiyo Cement Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomichi Nakamura, Hisashi Kondo, Shinichiro Saito
  • Patent number: 8404207
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT, comprising treating with a physical separation means of centrifugation, freezing-thawing-squeezing, diffusion, permeation or the like using a gel containing CNT as a dispersed and isolated state (CNT-containing gel), to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and make metallic CNT exist in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tanaka Takeshi, Kataura Hiromichi
  • Patent number: 8365923
    Abstract: A method of separating at least one carbon nanotube having a desired diameter and/or chirality from a mixture of carbon nanotubes having different diameters and/or chiralities is provided. A calixarene of formula (I): wherein n?4; X is PO3H2, Ra—PO3H, SO3H, or Ra—SO3H; Y is Rb, OH, or ORb; and Ra and Rb are independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylene alkyl and optionally substituted alkylene aryl is combined with the mixture of carbon nanotubes in an aqueous solvent to produce an aqueous supernatant containing the carbon nanotube(s) having the desired diameter and/or chirality. The aqueous supernatant containing the carbon nanotube(s) is then separated from a residue comprising the remaining carbon nanotubes of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Western Australia
    Inventors: Colin Llewellyn Raston, Lee John Hubble
  • Patent number: 8367035
    Abstract: The present invention provides arrays of longitudinally aligned carbon nanotubes having specified positions, nanotube densities and orientations, and corresponding methods of making nanotube arrays using guided growth and guided deposition methods. Also provided are electronic devices and device arrays comprising one or more arrays of longitudinally aligned carbon nanotubes including multilayer nanotube array structures and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: John A. Rogers, Coskun Kocabas, Moonsub Shim, Seong Jun Kang, Jang-Ung Park
  • Patent number: 8361328
    Abstract: A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20120304822
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for gasifying or liquifying coal. In particular, the method comprises reacting a coal with a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy bath. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel for carrying out the reaction, as well as other equipment necessary for capturing and removing the reaction products. Further, the process can be used to cogenerate electricity using the excess heat generated by the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald G. Presswood, JR., Ian C. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20120286216
    Abstract: Novel methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanospheres) that are highly dispersed include forming a precursor composition, polymerizing the precursor composition, applying a long chain hydrocarbon surfactant to the polymerized carbon material, and carbonizing the polymerized material (e.g., through pyrolysis) to form the carbon nanostructures. The long chain hydrocarbon surfactant facilitates the formation of dispersed carbon nanostructures during the carbonization step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: HEADWATERS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION, LLC
    Inventors: Cheng Zhang, Bing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20120286217
    Abstract: Novel methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanospheres) that are highly dispersed include forming a precursor composition, polymerizing the precursor composition, extracting water from the polymerized carbon material using an organic solvent, and carbonizing the polymerized material (e.g., through pyrolysis) to form the carbon nanostructures. The extraction-treated polymerized carbon material forms carbon nanostructures that are less agglomerated than carbon nanostructures manufactured using a similar technique without solvent extraction of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: HEADWATERS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION, LLC
    Inventors: Cheng Zhang, Bing Zhou