Growth By Vaporization Or Dissociation Of Carbon Source Using A High-energy Heat Source (e.g., Electric Arc, Laser, Plasma, E-beam, Etc.) Patents (Class 977/844)
  • Patent number: 8987706
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides a highly conductive composite used for electric charge transport, and a method for fabricating said composite. The composite comprises a plurality of one-dimensional semiconductor nanocomposites and highly conductive nanostructures, and the highly conductive nanostructures are incorporated into each of the one-dimensional semiconductor nanocomposite. The composite is able to provide fast electric charge transport, and reduce the rate of electron-hole recombination, ultimately increasing the power conversion efficiency for use in solar cell; provide fast electrons transport, storage of electrons and large surface area for adsorption and reaction sites of active molecular species taking part in photocatalytic reaction; enhance the sensitivity of a surface for biological and chemical sensing purposes for use in biological and chemical sensors; and lower the impedance and increase the charge storage capacity of a lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Wallace Woon-Fong Leung, Lijun Yang
  • Publication number: 20150010714
    Abstract: A method of preparing graphene on a SiC substrate includes bombarding a surface of the SiC substrate with ions and annealing a volume of the SiC substrate at the bombarded surface to promote agglomeration of carbon at the bombarded surface to form one or more layers of graphene at that surface. The ions can be Si, C, or other ions such as Au. The annealing can be carried out using a thermal source of heating or by irradiation with at least one laser beam or other high energy beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Bill R. Appleton, Brent Paul Gila, Sefaattin Tongay, Maxime G. Lemaitre
  • Publication number: 20140363586
    Abstract: A method for growing an array of carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a catalyst film on the substrate, the catalyst film including carbonaceous material; (c) introducing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas flowing across the catalyst film; (d) focusing a laser beam on the catalyst film to locally heat the catalyst to a predetermined reaction temperature; and (e) growing an array of the carbon nanotubes from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD., Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Zhuo Chen, Chun-Xiang Luo, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8893645
    Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing highly oriented, aligned carbon nanotubes from an alcohol includes a liquid tank for retaining an alcohol; a water cooling device for cooling the liquid tank from its outside; a condensing device for cooling and condensing vapor from the alcohol; a substrate holding device having an electrode for passing an electric current through the substrate in the alcohol; an inert gas inlet for removing air; a tank sealing device to prevent the alcohol becoming gaseous in phase; and a temperature measuring device, wherein the Si substrate with a buildup thereon of the thin film or insular particles is heated by electric current to a temperature, thereby providing a temperature gradient from the Si substrate surface toward the alcohol, wherein said thin film or insular particles is a catalyst for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, and the carbon nanotubes are synthesized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ando, Mika Gamo, Yafei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140332728
    Abstract: The objective of the present teaching is to provide a porous material including carbon nanohorns. The porous material includes carbon nanohorns and has a predetermined three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY NANO TECHNICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Tadashi Goino, Tsuzuki Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8858909
    Abstract: There is provided a high-purity carbon nanotube, which can be produced with simple purification by causing graphite to be hardly contained in crude soot obtained immediately after being synthesized by arc-discharge, and a method for producing the same. Soot containing carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge using an anode which contains amorphous carbon as a main component is heated at a temperature of not lower than 350° C. to be burned and oxidized, immersed in an acid, heated at a temperature, which is not lower than the heating temperature in the previous burning and oxidation and which is not lower than 500° C., to be burned and oxidized, and immersed in an acid again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Dowa Holdings Co., Ltd., Tohoku University
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sato, Kazuyuki Tohji, Masaru Namura
  • Patent number: 8845950
    Abstract: A method to manufacture a carbon fiber electrode comprises synthesizing polyamic acid (PAA) as a polyimide (PI) precursor from pryomellitic dian hydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) as monomers and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst, adding dimethylformamide (DMF) to the polyamic acid (PAA) solution to prepare a spinning solution and subjecting the spinning solution to electrostatic spinning at a high voltage to obtain a PAA nanofiber paper, converting the PAA nanofiber paper into a polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper by heating, and converting the polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper into a carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper by heating under an Ar atmosphere. Also, the method to manufacture a polyimide carbon nanofiber electrode and/or a carbon nanotube composite electrode may utilize carbon nanofibers having diameters that are lessened by optimizing electrostatic spinning in order to improve spinnability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae Wook Park, Hyong Soo Noh, Hideo Nojima, Thi Xuyen Nguyen, Chul Ho Song, Young Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20140205765
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes is provided. First, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface is provided. Second, a catalyst film is formed on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst film comprises a carbonaceous material. Third, a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas is flew across the catalyst film. Forth, a focused laser beam is irradiated on the substrate to grow a carbon nanotube array from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHUN-XIANG LUO, KAI-LI JIANG, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20140158986
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides a highly conductive composite used for electric charge transport, and a method for fabricating said composite. The composite comprises a plurality of one-dimensional semiconductor nanocomposites and highly conductive nanostructures, and the highly conductive nanostructures are incorporated into each of the one-dimensional semiconductor nanocomposite. The composite is able to provide fast electric charge transport, and reduce the rate of electron-hole recombination, ultimately increasing the power conversion efficiency for use in solar cell; provide fast electrons transport, storage of electrons and large surface area for adsorption and reaction sites of active molecular species taking part in photocatalytic reaction; enhance the sensitivity of a surface for biological and chemical sensing purposes for use in biological and chemical sensors; and lower the impedance and increase the charge storage capacity of a lithium-ion battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Wallace Woon-Fong LEUNG, Lijun YANG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140065359
    Abstract: Methods of forming a pattern on a substrate are provided. The methods include providing a substrate and radiating a laser beam through a transmitting phase mask on the substrate. The transmitting phase mask includes a pattern and radiating the laser beam through the transmitting phase mask forms the pattern on a first surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Jawaharial Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Researc
    Inventors: Giridhar UDAPI ROA KULKARNI, Narendra KURRA, Abhay Abhimanyu SAGADE
  • Patent number: 8661635
    Abstract: A piezoelectronic device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The piezoelectronic device has a plurality of carbon nanotubes; at least one piezoceramic layer covering the plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a supporting material for supporting the carbon nanotubes and disposed between the carbon nanotubes, the supporting layer being coated with at least one piezoceramic layer, wherein the plurality of carbon nanotubes is arranged in a comb-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Wen-Kuang Hsu, Hsin-Fu Kuo, Yu-Hsien Lin, Chiung-Wen Tang, Chieh-Lien Lu, Yao-Cheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20130327894
    Abstract: A spacecraft carbon nanotube shield is disclosed. Shield segments are produced in a facility in space. The segments are transported from the facility to a vicinity of a spacecraft hull. The segments are assembled over the hull to substantially cover an area of the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert T. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 8557213
    Abstract: A novel carbon nanotube (64) is featured in that it has the highest Raman scattering intensity in the vicinity of 1580 cm?1 in its Raman spectrum. Carbon nanotubes can be grown on and from the catalytic fine particles (63) which consist of ultra-fine particles of cobalt oxide catalyst onto a substrate comprising a conductive substrate (62) and fine particles (63) of catalyst formed on a surface thereof. An electron emission device (60) so configured as to emit electrons by applying a voltage to apical ends (64a) of such carbon nanotubes (64) can be reduced in driving voltage and can achieve a current such as to emit a fluorescent material on the market for low-velocity electron beams. The electron emission device (60) needs no gate and can thus simplify the structure and reduce the cost of a surface light-emitting device for which the element is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: National Institute for Materials Science, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ando, Kiyoharu Nakagawa, Mika Gamo, Hidenori Gamo
  • Publication number: 20130266739
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for forming a carbon film or an inorganic material film on a substrate by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Through the process, a high-quality, wafer scale thin film, such as a graphene film, is directly formed on a substrate without using an additional transfer step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ACADEMIA SINICA
    Inventors: Shih-Yen LIN, Meng-Yu Lin, Shu-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 8551413
    Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: MCD Technologies S.A R. L.
    Inventors: Mikhail Rudolfovich Predtechensky, Oleg Mikhailovich Tukhto, Ilya Yurievich Koval
  • Publication number: 20130202813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of inducing grapheme by low-frequency electromagnetic wave, which includes the following steps: (A) providing a substrate; (B) optionally forming a metal layer on the substrate; (C) providing a carbon source to form a carbon-containing layer locating on the metal layer; and (D) performing a treatment of the carbon-containing layer formed on the metal layer by using low-frequency electromagnetic wave, wherein the low-frequency electromagnetic wave is provided by microwave device. The electromagnetic energy from the microwave field device is converted to thermal energy by microwave absorber (for example, SiC) as a media to directly heat the carbon-containing layer, so that carbon atoms get kinetic energy to form grapheme layers on the surface of the metal layer and between the metal layer and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: National Tsing Hua University
  • Patent number: 8487296
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and/or articles related to techniques for forming a graphene film on a substrate, and the resulting graphene layers and graphenated substrates are generally disclosed. Some example techniques may be embodied as methods or processes for forming graphene. Some other example techniques may be embodied as devices employed to manipulate, treat, or otherwise process substrates, graphite, graphene and/or graphenated substrates as described herein. Graphene layers and graphenated substrates produced by the various techniques and devices provided herein are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Haim Grebel, Amrita Banerjee
  • Publication number: 20130177814
    Abstract: A novel hybrid lithium-ion anode material based on coaxially coated Si shells on vertically aligned carbon nanofiber (CNF) arrays. The unique cup-stacking graphitic microstructure makes the bare vertically aligned CNF array an effective Li+ intercalation medium. Highly reversible Li+ intercalation and extraction were observed at high power rates. More importantly, the highly conductive and mechanically stable CNF core optionally supports a coaxially coated amorphous Si shell which has much higher theoretical specific capacity by forming fully lithiated alloy. The broken graphitic edges at the CNF sidewall ensure good electrical connection with the Si shell during charge/discharge processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald A. Rojeski, Steven Klankowski, Jun Li
  • Publication number: 20130084237
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a methane precursor material into a thermal zone, heating the methane precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the methane precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel R. Vanier, Cheng-Hung Hung
  • Publication number: 20130084236
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon precursor material capable of forming a two-carbon-fragment species into a thermal zone, heating the hydrocarbon precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the hydrocarbon precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. Apparatus for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Hung, Noel R. Vanier
  • Publication number: 20130062195
    Abstract: A catalyst free process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes by inducing an arc discharge from a vein graphite anode and a vein graphite cathode in an inert gas atmosphere contained in a closed vessel. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure in the absence of external cooling mechanism for the carbon cathode or the carbon anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (PVT) Ltd.
    Inventors: Lilantha Samaranayake, Nilwala Kottegoda, Asurasinghe R. Kumarasinghe, Ajith De Alwis, Sunanda Gunasekara, Sameera Nanayakkara, Veranja Karunaratne
  • Publication number: 20130039838
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for production of nanostructures using a plasma generator. In an embodiment, a system for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostructures may include a chamber defining a pathway for directing a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostructures through the chamber. The system may further include one or more heating zones disposed along the chamber to provide a temperature gradient in the chamber to form catalyst particles upon which nanostructures can be generated from the components of the fluid mixture. The system may also include a plasma generator for generating a plasma flame in a conduit through which the fluid mixture may be passed to decompose a carbon source in the fluid mixture into its constituent atoms before proceeding into the reactor for formation of nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Lashmore, Robert Dean
  • Patent number: 8367032
    Abstract: The invention provides improved burners, combustion apparatus, and methods for carbon nanomaterial production. The burners of the invention provide sooting flames of fuel and oxidizing gases. The condensable products of combustion produced by the burners of this invention produce carbon nanomaterials including without limitation, soot, fullerenic soot, and fullerenes. The burners of the invention do not require premixing of the fuel and oxidizing gases and are suitable for use with low vapor pressure fuels such as those containing substantial amounts of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The burners of the invention can operate with a hot (e.g., uncooled) burner surface and require little, if any, cooling or other forms of heat sinking. The burners of the invention comprise one or more refractory elements forming the outlet of the burner at which a flame can be established. The burners of the invention provide for improved flame stability, can be employed with a wider range of fuel/oxidizer (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Frontier Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: J. Michael Alford, Michael D. Diener, James Nabity, Michael Karpuk
  • Publication number: 20130011328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps a) synthesis of carbon nanotubes, b) optional inerting and c) cooling of the product. The process permits problem-free handling and packing of the carbon nanotube material that is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Weber, Volker Michele, Leslaw Mleczko
  • Patent number: 8333947
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: preparing metal-containing-nanofibers which include nanofibers made of organic polymer and metal which possesses a catalytic function in forming carbon nanotubes; and forming carbon nanotubes which contain metal therein by using the nanofibers as a carbon source, wherein the carbon nanotubes are formed by putting the metal-containing-nanofibers into a heating vessel which has a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and by heating the metal-containing-nanofibers using heat which is generated by the heating vessel when electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shinshu University
    Inventors: Kazuchika Ohta, Ick-Soo Kim, Byoung-Suhk Kim, Jongchul Park
  • Patent number: 8323606
    Abstract: Hetero-nanocapsule, which is a carbon nanocapule containing heteroatoms, comprises a closed graphite layer represented by a chemical formula C(D)x, wherein C is carbon atom exhibiting sp2 hybrid orbital, D is hetero-atom, such as B, N, P, or S atom, bonded to the carbon atom; and X is a molar equivalent ranging from 0.0001 to 0.1, based on the molar equivalent of carbon atom as 1. The hetero-nanocapsules may be hollow or filled with metal or metal compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Gan-Lin Hwang
  • Patent number: 8317983
    Abstract: Single walled carbon nanotubes are produced in a novel apparatus by the laser-induced ablation of moving carbon target. The laser used is of high average power and ultra-fast pulsing. According to various preferred embodiments, the laser produces and output above about 50 watts/cm2 at a repetition rate above about 15 MHz and exhibits a pulse duration below about 10 picoseconds. The carbon, carbon/catalyst target and the laser beam are moved relative to one another and a focused flow of “side pumped”, preheated inert gas is introduced near the point of ablation to minimize or eliminate interference by the ablated plume by removal of the plume and introduction of new target area for incidence with the laser beam. When the target is moved relative to the laser beam, rotational or translational movement may be imparted thereto, but rotation of the target is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Holloway, Peter C. Eklund, Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Michelle Shinn
  • Patent number: 8263037
    Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanostructures according to the invention includes injecting acetylene gas into a reactant liquid. The injected acetylene molecules are then maintained in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds in at least some of the acetylene molecules, and place the liberated carbon ions in an excited state. The liberated carbon ions in the excited state then traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and enter a collection area where carbon ions combine to produce carbon nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Technology International Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8246886
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Lashmore, Robert Braden, Anastasios John Hart, John Welch
  • Publication number: 20120202060
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a nanotube-nanohorn complex having a high aspect ratio, also having high dispersibility, having controlled diameter, and having high durability at a low cost. According to the present invention, a carbon target containing a catalyst is evaporated with a laser ablation method to synthesize a structure including both of a carbon nanohorn aggregate and a carbon nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Yuge, Masako Yudasaka
  • Patent number: 8236375
    Abstract: The specification describes a method for selectively depositing carbon nanotubes on the end face of an optical fiber. The end face of the optical fiber is exposed to a dispersion of carbon nanotubes while light is propagated through the optical fiber. Carbon nanotubes deposit selectively on the light emitting core of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20120161608
    Abstract: A field emission cathode structure includes a first carbon nanotube structure including a plurality of first carbon nanotubes, and a second carbon nanotube structure located on the surface of the first carbon nanotube structure. The second carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of second carbon nanotubes substantially perpendicular to the first carbon nanotubes structure. The second carbon nanotube structure includes a peak. The heights of the second carbon nanotubes at the peak are tallest. The heights of the carbon second carbon nanotubes gradually decrease along the direction away from the peak. A method for fabricating the field emission cathode structure is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: PENG LIU, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Patent number: 8202817
    Abstract: A nanocarbon aggregate including a graphite aggregate including a graphene sheet having a petal shape and a nanohorn. The petal-shaped graphite aggregate achieves a reduction in the particulate size and a higher dispersibility by allowing the edge of the petal shape to locally absorb a metal, a metal complex and a metal oxide. The nanocarbon aggregate is used for a catalyst support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Yuge, Masako Yudasaka, Sumio Iijima
  • Patent number: 8202504
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a metal complex which contains at least one metal selected from a group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel and an organic compound: and forming carbon nanotubes which contain metal therein by using the organic compound as a carbon source, wherein the carbon nanotubes are formed by putting the metal complex into a heating vessel which has a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and by heating the metal complex using heat which is generated by the heating vessel when electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating vessel. As the metal complex used in a method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, nickel stearate or nickel benzoate can be named, for example. According to the method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture carbon nanotubes using an inexpensive heating device within a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Shinshu University
    Inventors: Kazuchika Ohta, Ick-Soo Kim, Byoung-Suhk Kim, Jongchul Park
  • Patent number: 8197787
    Abstract: A method includes producing an isolation atmosphere in a phase changing area above a reactant liquid and then injecting a feed material into the reactant liquid. The feed material includes a carbon-bearing material. The method further includes maintaining the molecules of the injected carbon-bearing material and any reaction products in contact with the reactant liquid for a period of time sufficient to liberate carbon atoms from the carbon-bearing material or reaction products from that material, and place the liberated carbon atoms in an excited state. Liberated carbon atoms in the excited state are then allowed to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and flow along a particle formation path through the phase changing area so that the liberated carbon atoms may phase change to the ground state while suspended in the phase changing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Technology International Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8192714
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing at least one metal selected from a group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel and an organic compound: and forming carbon nanotubes by using the organic compound as a carbon source, wherein the metal and the organic compound are put into a heating vessel having a substance capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and the organic compound is brought into contact with the metal in a state where the inside of the heating vessel is heated at a temperature of 600° C. to 900° C. by applying the electromagnetic energy to the heating vessel so as to form the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Shinshu University
    Inventors: Kazuchika Ohta, Ick-Soo Kim, Byoung-Suhk Kim, Jongchul Park
  • Publication number: 20120088123
    Abstract: Provided are a process for economically preparing a graphene shell having a desired configuration which is applicable in various fields wherein in the process the thickness of the graphene she can be controlled, and a graphene shell prepared by the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-young CHOI, Hyeon-Jin SHIN, Seon-mi YOON
  • Publication number: 20120083408
    Abstract: There is provided a high-purity carbon nanotube, which can be produced with simple purification by causing graphite to be hardly contained in crude soot obtained immediately after being synthesized by arc-discharge, and a method for producing the same. Soot containing carbon nanotubes produced by arc-discharge using an anode which contains amorphous carbon as a main component is heated at a temperature of not lower than 350° C. to be burned and oxidized, immersed in an acid, heated at a temperature, which is not lower than the heating temperature in the previous burning and oxidation and which is not lower than 500° C., to be burned and oxidized, and immersed in an acid again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, DOWA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sato, Kazuyuki Tohji, Masaru Namura
  • Publication number: 20120077087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to negative-electrode active material for rechargeable lithium battery comprising: a core comprising material capable of doping and dedoping lithium; and, a carbon layer formed on the surface of the core, wherein the carbon layer has a three dimensional porous structure comprising nanopores regularly ordered on the carbon layer with a pore wall of specific thickness placed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: UNIST ACADEMY-INDUSTRY RESEARCH CORPORATION, LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jaephil Cho, Jae-Bum Choo, Byung-Hee Han, Hyun-Jung Kim, Ki-Tae Kim, Je-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120070355
    Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and apparatus for the production of fullerenes and other carbon-containing materials. In some aspects, the invention provides an arc chamber comprising a graphite element support, wherein the support comprises a rotatable frame adapted for moving each graphite element towards and away from an arc discharge position. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber for collecting carbon-containing materials produced in an arc chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises an inlet and a rotatable element arranged to direct the carbon-containing material to a wall of the collection chamber, wherein the sectional area occupied by the rotatable element increases with distance from the inlet. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber comprising means for isolating the collection chamber from an arc discharge apparatus and an inlet for the introduction of solvent into the collection chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Kyriakos Porfyrakis, Simon R. Plant
  • Patent number: 8137588
    Abstract: Described herein are batches of nanoscale phosphor particles having an average particle size of less than about 200 nm and an average internal quantum efficiency of at least 40%. The batches of nanoscale phosphor particles can be substantially free of impurities. Also described herein are methods of manufacturing the nanoscale phosphor particles by passing phosphor particles through a reactive field to thereby dissociate them into elements and then synthesizing nanoscale phosphor particles by nucleating the elements and quenching the resulting particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Jami Hafiz, Toshitaka Nakamura, Steven L Girshick, Joachim V. R. Heberlein, Amane Mochizuki, Rajesh Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 8137653
    Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: MCD Technologies S.A R.L.
    Inventors: Mikhail Rudolfovich Predtechensky, Oleg Mikhailovich Tukhto, Ilya Yurievich Koval
  • Publication number: 20120064258
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, forming a catalyst film on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst film comprises a carbonaceous material, flowing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas across the catalyst film, and irradiating a focused laser beam on the substrate to grow a carbon nanotube array from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHUN-XIANG LUO, KAI-LI JIANG, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20120060984
    Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yury Gogotsi, Valarie Pelletier, Sayan Bhattacharyya, Farhad Forohar, Magdy Bichay
  • Patent number: 8101149
    Abstract: C60 and C70 carbon atom compounds are prepared by evaporating graphite in an inert quenching gas. The vapor of carbon is collected and is selectively extracted with an organic non-polar solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Huffman, Wolfgang Krätschmer
  • Patent number: 8093174
    Abstract: A carbon nanohorn (CNH) is oxidized to make an opening in the side of the CNH. A substance to be included, e.g., a metal, is introduced through the opening. The inclusion substance is moved to a tip part of the carbon nanohorn through heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas. The CNH is further heat treated in an atmosphere containing oxygen in a low concentration to remove the carbon layer in the tip through catalysis of the inclusion substance. This exposes the inclusion substance. If the inclusion substance is a metal which is not moved to a tip part by the heat treatment in vacuum or an inert gas, the carbon part surrounding the fine catalyst particle is specifically burned by a heat treatment in an low oxygen concentration atmosphere, while utilizing the catalysis. Thus, the fine catalyst particle is fixed to the tip part of the CNH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Yuge, Masako Yudasaka, Sumio Iijima
  • Patent number: 8066967
    Abstract: A system and method for the manipulation of nanofibers using electrostatic forces. The nanofibers may be provided in a liquid medium, and the nanofibers may be nano-scale (i.e. measured in nanometers). The process is sensitive to the charge properties of the nanofibers (charge could be inherent to material or the charge can be induced into the material through electrochemical means), and therefore may be used to sort or classify particles. The nanofibers may also be aligned according to electrical fields, and thus anisotropic effect exploited. Devices produced may be conductors, semiconductors, active electronic devices, electron emitters, and the like. The nanofibers may be modified after deposition, for example to remove charge-influencing coatings to further enhance their performance, to enhance their adhesion to polymers for use as composite materials or result in the adhesion of the material at the proper location on a variety of different surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Electrox Corporation
    Inventors: Dietmar C Eberlein, Robert H Detig
  • Publication number: 20110280793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing a mixture of a polymer or a resin and a transition metal compound, producing a fiber from the mixture, and heating the fiber under conditions effective to form a carbon nanotube-containing carbonaceous fiber. The polymer or resin is an aromatic polymer or a precursor thereof and the mixture is a neat mixture or is combined with a solvent. Also disclosed are a carbonaceous fiber or carbonaceous nanofiber sheet having at least 15 wt. % carbon nanotubes, a fiber or nanofiber sheet having the a polymer or a resin and the transition metal compound, and a fiber or nanofiber sheet having an aromatic polymer and metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Teddy M. Keller, Matthew Laskoski
  • Publication number: 20110250376
    Abstract: The present invention provides efficient methods for producing a superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) array. The methods comprise providing a vertically aligned CNT array and performing vacuum pyrolysis on the CNT array to produce a superhydrophobic CNT array. These methods have several advantages over the prior art, such as operational simplicity and efficiency. The invention also relates to superhydrophobic CNT arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Adrianus I. Aria, Masoud Beizai, Morteza Gharib