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: The invention relates to a method for dissolving carbon nanotubes consisting in reducing the nanotubes in such a way that the nanotubes which are negatively charged with positive counter-ions are obtainable. The invention is used, in particular for preparing compounds or carbon nanotubes films.

Abstract: A water solubilizer for nanocarbons contains a surfactant which can form a spherical micelle vesicle having a diameter of 50-2,000 nm in a water solution or a water-soluble polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-50,000,000 as an active constituent. For example, the water solubilizer is used for purification of nanocarbons.

Abstract: A method of and device for processing carbonacious material into gas and activated carbon together with blower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the purification of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Known methods of single-wall carbon nanotube production result in a single-wall carbon nanotube product that contains single-wall carbon nanotubes in addition to impurities including residual metal catalyst particles and amounts of small amorphous carbon sheets that surround the catalyst particles and appear on the side of the single-wall carbon nanotubes. The present purification processes remove the extraneous carbon as well as metal-containing residual catalyst particles.

Abstract: The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by chirality and/or diameter, using centrifugation of compositions of SWNTs in and surface active components in density gradient media.

Abstract: Representatively, a method of separating carbon from hydrocarbon molecules, the method including: heating hydrocarbon molecules beyond their boiling point; decomposing the heated hydrocarbon molecules to generate elemental or molecular carbon and hydrogen gas; separating at least some of the elemental or molecular carbon from the hydrogen gas; chemically reacting the hydrogen gas to produce heat; and applying some of the heat in carrying out said heating.

Abstract: Certain applicator liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. An applicator liquid for preparation of a nanotube film or fabric includes a controlled concentration of nanotubes dispersed in ethyl lactate. The controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity.

Abstract: A method of removing metal impurities from carbon nanotubes includes treating carbon nanotubes with distilled bromine in a substantially oxygen- and water-free atmosphere and then removing the distilled bromine from the carbon nanotubes. Purified carbon nanotubes having an iron content from about 2.5 to about 3.5 by weight that are substantially free of derivatization at the ends and defect sites are made available via this method.

Abstract: A method for refining inorganic short fibers at a high yield rate. In the refining method of inorganic short fibers according to the present invention, an electric field is applied to dielectric liquid in which inorganic short fibers that include impurities are dispersed. The inorganic short fibers to which the electric field is applied are polarized and bonded with each other. The inorganic short fibers in the dielectric liquid are caused to fall. The falling inorganic short fibers are collected separately from the falling impurities utilizing the difference between the falling rate of the bonded inorganic fibers and the falling rate of the impurities.

Abstract: A fullerene mixture comprising any two or more of C60, C70 and higher fullerenes having greater than 70 carbon atoms is brought into contact with an amine having two or more nitrogen atoms, especially an amine having an amidine structure, in a solvent to form a complex of a specific fullerene contained in the fullerene mixture and the amine, and the complex is separated from a solution in which fullerenes not forming the complex are dissolved. Consequently, a method of fullerene separation, by which the specific fullerene is separated from the fullerene mixture with ease and at low cost, and the complex having the fullerene can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesis of carbon nanotubes of the highest carbon purity by the process of vapour phase chemical deposition. The nanotubes produced can be used to advantage in all know applications of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods and processes for preparing interconnected carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are disclosed. The SWNTs soot, synthesized by any one of the art methods, is heated to less than about 1250° C. in flowing dry air using the electrical field (E) component of microwave energy. The tubes of the SWNTs thus treated become welded and interconnected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing impurities from solids comprising forming a solid solution, passing the solid solution through an ion exchanger such that at least some impurities present in the solid solution are retained by the ion exchanger, and recovering the solid solution from the ion exchanger.

Abstract: A process and system for substantially eliminating contaminants from a gas and a gas produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method of selectively removing carbonaceous impurities from carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In an example method, impurities formed on the surface of the CNTs may be removed by a sulfidation reaction between the impurities and sulfur in a sealed space. More specifically, a method of selectively removing only amorphous carbon by which carbon nanotube walls do not react with sulfur and only carbonaceous impurities formed on the surface of the CNTs make sulfidation reaction (C+2S?CS2), that is, a method of selectively removing carbonaceous impurities from the CNTs integrated in a device by sulfidation is provided.

Abstract: Production of coke and activated carbon from coal products, including the production of low ash coal and activated carbon products from coal products, and the production of very low ash coke and activated carbon products from coal products.

Abstract: A method of processing carbonacious material into gas and activated carbon, comprising the steps of placing feedstock onto a fluidized bed; directing non-oxygenated gas through the fluidized bed; adjusting a velocity of the gas such that the gas is slow enough to leave the feedstock on the fluidized bed and fast enough to remove activated carbon and volatiles.

Abstract: A method of purifying a single-walled carbon nanotube catalytic product having the steps of providing a catalytic product including single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal, exposing the catalytic product to a heated oxidative gas to provide a treated carbon nanotube product including single-walled carbon nanotubes and the Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal, and exposing the treated carbon nanotube product to an acid to separate the single-walled carbon nanotubes from the Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal. The catalytic product may include a support material and amorphous carbon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a desired length includes the steps of: providing an array of carbon nanotubes; placing a mask having at least an opening defined therein on the array of carbon nanotubes, with at least one portion of the array of carbon nanotubes being at least partially exposed through a corresponding opening of the mask; forming a protective film on at least one exposed portion of the array of carbon nanotubes; removing the mask from the array of the carbon nanotubes, with the carbon nanotubes being compartmentalized into at least a first portion covered by the protective film and at least one uncovered second portion; breaking/separating the first portion from the second portion of the array of the carbon nanotubes using a chemical method, thereby obtaining at least a carbon nanotube segment with a protective film covered thereon; and removing the protective film from the carbon nanotube segment.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to new liquid-liquid extraction methods for the length-based separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other 1-dimensional nanostructures.

Abstract: An atomic carbon material and a preparation method thereof having ion adsorption ability superior to fullerenes and nano-tubes are provided. This atomic carbon material is in a state existing as an organic compound and in a state close to an atom with a diameter of 1 nm or less (theoretically about 1.66 angstrom), and is a bulk where they are congregated with each other with an interatomic force or a particle with a particle size of 1 nm or less. This atomic carbon material is manufactured by heating a raw material composed of an organic material which does not include carbon units in an inactive atmosphere at a predetermined temperature while sequentially increasing the temperature and by individually separating expected elements except for carbon in the aforementioned atmosphere and the organic material from being bonded with carbon by thermally decomposing in order from an element having a lower decomposition temperature at a temperature of 450 C or lower.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of selectively functionalizing carbon nanotubes of a specific type or range of types, based on their electronic properties, using diazonium chemistry. The present invention is also directed toward methods of separating carbon nanotubes into populations of specific types or range(s) of types via selective functionalization and electrophoresis, and also to the novel compositions generated by such separations.

Abstract: A method for separating single-wall carbon nanotubes from an aqueous slurry comprises adding a water-immiscible organic solvent to an aqueous slurry comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes, isolating at least some of the single-wall carbon nanotubes in the solvent, and removing the solvent from the single-wall carbon nanotubes to form dried single-wall carbon nanotubes. A spheroidal aggregate of single-wall carbon nanotubes is formed wherein the aggregate is approximately spherical and has a diameter in a range of about 0.1 and about 5 mm, and wherein the aggregate contains at least about 80 wt % single-wall carbon nanotubes. The spheroidal aggregates of single-wall carbon nanotubes are easily handled in industrial processes and are redispersable to single-wall carbon nanotubes and/or ropes of single-wall carbon nanotubes. This invention can also be applied to multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

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.

Abstract: Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A method of making an applicator liquid containing nanotubes for use in an electronics fabrication process includes characterizing an electronic fabrication process according to fabrication compatible solvents and allowable levels of metallic and particle impurities; providing nanotubes that satisfy the allowable impurities criteria for the electronics fabrication process; providing a solvent that meets the fabrication compatible solvents and allowable impurities criteria for the electronic fabrication process; and dispersing the nanotubes into the solvent at a concentration of at least one milligram of nanotubes per liter solvent to form an applicator liquid.

Abstract: Methods of purifying samples are provided that are capable of removing carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous impurities from a sample containing a carbon material having a selected structure. Purification methods are provided for removing residual metal catalyst particles enclosed in multilayer carbonaceous impurities in samples generate by catalytic synthesis methods. Purification methods are provided wherein carbonaceous impurities in a sample are at least partially exfoliated, thereby facilitating subsequent removal of carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous impurities from the sample. Methods of purifying carbon nanotube-containing samples are provided wherein an intercalant is added to the sample and subsequently reacted with an exfoliation initiator to achieve exfoliation of carbonaceous impurities.

Abstract: A method of obtaining purified semiconducting SWCNTs from a bulk mixture of metallic SWCNTs and semiconducting SWCNTs by first creating an aqueous solution containing the bulk mixture and adding a functionalized particle or nanoparticle to the solution, whereby the functionalized particle or nanoparticle reacts chemically with the metallic SWCNTs to form a high density particle-nanotube composite that can be physically separated by centrifugation.

Abstract: Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A spin-coatable liquid containing nanotubes for use in an electronics fabrication process includes a solvent containing a plurality of nanotubes. The nanotubes are at a concentration of greater than 1 mg/L. The nanotubes are pretreated to reduce the level of metallic and particulate impurities to a preselected level, and the preselected metal and particulate impurities levels are selected to be compatible with an electronics manufacturing process. The solvent also is selected for compatibility with an electronics manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of purifying carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In general, such methods comprise the following steps: (a) preparing an aqueous slurry of impure CNT material; (b) establishing a source of Fe2+ ions in the slurry to provide a catalytic slurry; (c) adding hydrogen peroxide to the catalytic slurry to provide an oxidative slurry, wherein the Fe2+ ions catalyze the production of hydroxyl radicals; and (d) utilizing the hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative slurry to purify the CNT material and provide purified CNTs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel electrode-catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell prepared by introducing a carbon precursor into pores of a wormhole-like molecular sieve template, carbonizing the carbon precursor, removing the molecular sieve template to obtain a wormhole-like mesoporous carbon having a high specific surface of 800-1000 m2/g and a pore size of 4-5 nm, and depositing catalyst metal such as Pt—Ru on the mesoporous carbon.

Abstract: Semiconducting type carbon nanotubes are efficiently separated from a mixture of semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotubes in a simple manner, by way of treating the carbon nanotube mixture with an organic solution containing nitronium ions, filtering the resulting mixture to recover remaining solids, and heat-treating the solids.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube material that comprises carbon nanotubes, a magnesia support and a catalyst metal can be purified by contacting it with a mixture comprising carbon dioxide and water. At least some of the magnesia support is reacted to form water-soluble compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for energetically utilizing solid waste. The term “solid waste” refers, for example, to waste paper, scrap wood, plastic waste, production waste, industrial sludge or other solid fractions containing combustible constituents, or mixtures thereof. The aim of the invention is to create a device for thermally utilizing solid waste, which has a neutral if not even positive energy balance and is suitable for a wide range of waste materials while paying special attention to environmental relevance, especially the flue-gas composition. The aim is achieved by providing the inventive device with a material-feed mechanism, a charring apparatus and a thermal post-combustion apparatus. These basic components make it possible to utilize many different types of solid waste, the feedstock initially being transformed into hot gas which can be converted into steam and power as required.

Abstract: A method for making a high-density carbon nanotube array includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a carbon nanotube array formed thereon; (b) providing an elastic film; (c) stretching the elastic film uniformly, and covering the elastic film to the carbon nanotube array; (d) exerting a pressure uniformly on the elastic film, and shrinking the carbon nanotube array and the elastic film under the pressure; and (e) separating the nanotube array from the elastic film to acquire a high-density carbon nanotube array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of differentiating metallic carbon nanotubes from semiconducting carbon nanotubes. The method comprising providing a nanotube dispersion, wherein the nanotube dispersion comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes, osmium tetroxide, or ruthenium tetroxide, and a solvent; and irradiating the nanotube dispersion with ultraviolet light, wherein the metallic carbon nanotubes are osmylated, or ruthenylated, thereby differentiating the metallic carbon nanotubes from the semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as carbon tetrachloride, over lanthanide-based solid catalysts in the presence of steam has been investigated between 200 and 350° C. Ln2O3/AL2O3 (e.g. Ln=La, Nd, Ce and Pr) show a very high catalytic hydrolysis activity. The destruction capacity gradually increases with increasing temperature and reaches a maximum value of 42.3·106 ppm.h?1 at 350° C. for a 10 wt % Ln2O3/AL2O3 catalyst This destruction capacity could be maintained for a least 48 hours. The catalyst activity is also function of the type of lanthanide oxide; i.e., La?Nd>Ce?Pr. The process is based on a delicate equilibrium between destructive adsorption of CCI4 onto the lanthanide oxide and the dechlorination of the formed lanthanide chloride with steam. Steam being responsible for the in situ regeneration of the catalytic active phase.

Abstract: Provided is a method of modifying carbon nanotubes, the method including: preparing a mixed solution in which a radical initiator and a carbon nanotube are dispersed; applying energy to the mixed solution to decompose the radical initiator into a radical; and reacting the decomposed radical with a surface of the carbon nanotube, wherein the radical which has reacted with the carbon nanotube is detached from the carbon nanotube after the reaction with the carbon nanotube. In the method of modifying carbon nanotube, a radical is reacted with a carbon nanotube and then separated from the carbon nanotube to thus modify the surface of the carbon nanotube without chemical bonding. Accordingly, the conductivity of the carbon nanotube can be increased.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the continuous production of a network of nanotubes or other nanoscale fibers. The method includes making a suspension of nanoscale fibers dispersed in a liquid medium, optionally with surfactant and/or sonication, and filtering the suspension by moving a filter membrane through the suspension, such that the nanoscale fibers are deposited directly on the filter membrane as the fluid medium flows through the filter membrane, thereby forming a continuous membrane of the nanoscale fibers. The deposition of the nanoscale fibers can occur when and where the filter membrane moves into contact with a static, porous filter element or a dynamic, porous filter element. The filtering can be conducted within a magnetic field effective to align the nanoscale fibers, and/or with the aid of vacuum to pull water through the filter membrane, applied pressure to press water though the filter membrane, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A simple, economical process is disclosed for regenerating granular activated carbon, using a combination of alcohol, alkali, and oxidant, preferably ethanol, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. The regeneration process employs inexpensive compounds, is well-suited to be implemented on-site, and does not require spent carbon to be transported to a specialized facility for regeneration. The need for thermal regeneration of carbon, and its high energy consumption, are avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating carbon products from used tires includes a decomposing chamber into which used tires are charged, a nitrogen gas supply device that supplies nitrogen gas into the decomposing chamber, one or more magnetrons that generate microwave of predetermined frequency and one or more phase shifters that removes interference between microwaves generated by the magnetrons, a receiving plate that is adapted to receive carbon black and iron cores generated by the decomposing process, a tire support that is adapted to support used tires, an opening and closing device that opens or closes a door on which used tires are placed, conveyor belt that moves carbon black and iron cores to a desired location after decomposition is complete, and a cooling plate that is provided in an upper portion of the apparatus and cools down gaseous oil that is generated by decomposition by microwave into liquid oil.

Abstract: Provided are carbide derived carbon prepared by thermochemically reacting carbide compounds and a halogen element containing gas and extracting all atoms of the carbide compounds except carbon atoms, wherein the intensity ratios of the graphite G band at 1590 cm?1 to the disordered-induced D band at 1350 cm?1 are in the range of 0.3 through 5 when the carbide derived carbon is analyzed using Raman peak analysis, wherein the BET surface area of the carbide derived carbon is 1000 m2/g or more, wherein a weak peak or wide single peak of the graphite (002) surface is seen at 2?=25° when the carbide derived carbon is analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, and wherein the electron diffraction pattern of the carbide derived carbon is the halo pattern typical of amorphous carbon when the carbide derived carbon is analyzed using electron microscopy. The emitter has good uniformity and a long lifetime. An emitter can be prepared using a more inexpensive method than that used to manufacture conventional carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods for separating and purifying carbon nanomaterials such as trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes are described. In certain embodiments, carbon nanomaterials are contacted with a carbon nanomaterial reactive agent. The reactive agent binds empty cage fullerenes, nanotubes, and endohedral metallofullerenes without appreciably binding trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes. According to some embodiments, purified forms of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerenes may be prepared.

Abstract: A method for separating semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes from metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The method utilizes separation agents that preferentially associate with semiconducting nanotubes due to the electrical nature of the nanotubes. The separation agents are those that have a planar orientation, ?-electrons available for association with the surface of the nanotubes, and also include a soluble portion of the molecule. Following preferential association of the separation agent with the semiconducting nanotubes, the agent/nanotubes complex is soluble and can be solubilized with the solution enriched in semiconducting nanotubes while the residual solid is enriched in metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube composition. The fullerene nanotubes may be in the form of a felt, such as a bucky paper. Optionally, the fullerene nanotubes may be derivatized with one or more functional groups. Devices employing the fullerene nanotubes of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to dispersing and fractionating single-wall carbon nanotubes, which can be derivatized to facilitate fractionation, for example, by adding solubilizing moieties to the nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for separating two types of fullerene molecules in a mixture can comprise: contacting a mixture comprising different fullerenes with a reagent that reacts at different rates or to a different extent with different types of fullerenes in the mixture and separating the fullerenes based upon the extent of reaction between the fullerene and the reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube purification process and more particularly to a purification process that comprises heating the fullerene nanotube-containing felt under oxidizing conditions to remove the amorphous carbon deposits and other contaminating materials. In a preferred mode of this purification procedure, the felt is heated in an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidant, such as nitric acid, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, or a potassium permanganate. Preferably, fullerene nanotube-containing felts are refluxed in an aqueous solution of an oxidizing acid at a concentration high enough to etch away amorphous carbon deposits within a practical time frame, but not so high that the fullerene nanotube material will be etched to a significant degree. When material having a high proportion of fullerene nanotubes is purified, the preparation produced will be enriched in fullerene nanotubes, so that the fullerene nanotubes are substantially free of other material.

Abstract: A method for bulk separation of single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) based on helicity is provided wherein a solution or suspension of the single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) is flowed onto a crystalline or highly oriented substrate (30). The single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) that flow onto the substrate (30) have a respective longitudinal axis that is aligned with the flow direction (105). The direction of flow (105) is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to a lattice axis (24) of the substrate (30) for energetically favoring adsorption of a respective plurality of single-walled fullerenes (100) having a tubular contour and a selected helicity. Subsequently, the adsorbed single-walled tubular fullerenes (100) of the selected chirality are removed from the substrate (30).

Abstract: A system (10), process and apparatus are disclosed for purifying carbon black (15) containing sulfur and metal oxide impurities by digesting (20) the impure carbon black in an acid to extract the metal oxide (25). Sulfur (45) is then removed from the acid treated carbon black (30) by solvent extraction (35) with an organic aromatic solvent which is then recovered (50). The purified carbon black (40) is then suitable for use as a toner (60) by toner black processing (55).