Patents Assigned to Catalysis
  • Surface treatment of carbon microfibers
    Patent number: 7410628
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing the surface of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent that includes sulfuric acid and potassiaum chlorate under reaction conditions sufficient to oxidize the surface. The invention also features a method of decreasing the length of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent under reaction conditions sufficient to decrease the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Bening, Thomas J. McCarthy
  • CARBIDE NANOFIBRILS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20080175782
    Abstract: A plurality of carbide, such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc., nanofibrils predominantly having diameters substantially less than about 100 nm and a method for making such carbide nanofibrils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moy, Chun-Ming Niu
  • POLYMERS CONTAINING FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON NANOTUBES
    Publication number: 20080176983
    Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunming Niu, Lein Ngaw
  • Method for preparing catalyst supports and supported catalysts from single walled carbon nanotubes
    Patent number: 7396798
    Abstract: A new method for preparing a supported catalyst is herein provided. A carbon nanotube structure such as a rigid porous structure is formed from single walled carbon nanotubes. A metal catalyst is then loaded or deposited onto the carbon nanotube structure. The loaded carbon nanotube is preferably ground to powder form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ma, David Moy, Howard Tennent, Robert Hoch, Alan Fischer
  • Carbide nanofibrils and method of making same
    Patent number: 7393514
    Abstract: A plurality of carbide, such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc., nanofibrils predominantly having diameters substantially less than about 100 nm and a method for making such carbide nanofibrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moy, Chun-Ming Niu
  • Polyvinylidene fluoride composites and methods for preparing same
    Patent number: 7393475
    Abstract: An electrically conductive composite comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer or copolymer and carbon nanotubes is provided. Preferably, carbon nanotubes may be present in the range of about 0.5-20% by weight of the composite. The composites are prepared by dissolving the polymer in a first solvent to form a polymer solution and then adding the carbon nanotubes into the solution. The solution is mixed using an energy source such as a sonicator or a Waring blender. A precipitating component is added to precipitate out a composite comprising the polymer and the nanotubes. The composite is isolated by filtering the solution and drying the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunming Niu, Lein Ngaw, Alan B. Fischer, Robert Hoch
  • Electroconductive Carbon Fibril-based Inks and Coatings
    Publication number: 20080111110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electroconductive inks and methods of making and using the same. The electroconductive inks include carbon fibrils and a liquid vehicle. The electroconductive ink may further include a polymeric binder. The electroconductive filler used is carbon fibrils which may be oxidized. The ink has rheological properties similar to that of commercially available electroconductive inks that use carbon black as their filler. The ink can be screen-printed, slot-coated, sprayed, brushed or dipped onto a wide variety of substrates to form an electroconductive coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ma, Alan B. Fischer, Chunming Niu, Lein Ngaw
  • Methods of Oxidizing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
    Publication number: 20080102020
    Abstract: Methods of oxidizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes are provided. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes are oxidized by contacting the carbon nanotubes with gas-phase oxidizing agents such as CO2, O2, steam, N2O, NO, NO2, O3, and ClO2. Near critical and supercritical water can also be used as oxidizing agents. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes oxidized according to methods of the invention can be used to prepare rigid porous structures which can be utilized to form electrodes for fabrication of improved electrochemical capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunming Niu, David Moy, Asif Chishti, Robert Hoch
  • FIELD EMISSION DEVICES MADE WITH LASER AND/OR PLASMA TREATED CARBON NANOTUBE MATS, FILMS OR INKS
    Publication number: 20080093968
    Abstract: Field emission devices comprising carbon nanotube mats which have been treated with laser or plasma are provided. Mats are formed from carbon nanotubes, also known as carbon fibrils, which are vermicular carbon deposits having diameters of less than about one micron. The carbon nanotube mats are then subjected to laser or plasma treatment. The treated carbon nanotube mat results in improved field emission performance as either a field emission cathode or as part of a field emission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikio Takai, Alan Fischer, Lein Ngaw, Chunming Niu
  • Method of irradiating field emission cathode having nanotubes
    Patent number: 7341498
    Abstract: Field emission devices comprising carbon nanotube mats which have been treated with laser or plasma are provided. Mats are formed from carbon nanotubes, also known as carbon fibrils, which are vermicular carbon deposits having diameters of less than about one micron. The carbon nanotube mats are then subjected to laser or plasma treatment. The treated carbon nanotube mat results in improved field emission performance as either a field emission cathode or as part of a field emission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikio Takai, Alan Fischer, Lein Ngaw, Chunming Niu
  • CONDUCTIVE THERMOSETS BY EXTRUSION
    Publication number: 20080036123
    Abstract: Methods of preparing conductive thermoset precursors containing carbon nanotubes is provided. Also provided is a method of preparing conductive thermosets containing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may in individual form or in the form of aggregates having a macromorpology resembling the shape of a cotton candy, bird nest, combed yarn or open net. Preferred multiwalled carbon nanotubes have diameters no greater than 1 micron and preferred single walled carbon nanotubes have diameters less than 5 nm. Carbon nanotubes may be adequately dispersed in a thermoset precursor by using a extrusion process generally reserved for thermoplastics. The thermoset precursor may be a precursor for epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, urethane, polyester, vinyl ester or silicone. A preferred thermoset precursor is a bisphenol A derivative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Fischer, Timothy Jozokos, James Leacock, Andrew Rich
  • Field Emission Devices Using Ion Bombarded Carbon Nanotubes
    Publication number: 20080036358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a field emission device comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein said cathode includes carbon nanotubes which have been treated with an ion beam. The ion beam may be any ions, including gallium, hydrogen, helium, argon, carbon, oxygen, and xenon ions. The present invention also relates to a field emission cathode comprising carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an ion beam. A method for treating the carbon nanotubes and for creating a field emission cathode is also disclosed. A field emission display device containing carbon nanotube which have been treated with an ion beam is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikio Takai
  • Ozonolysis of carbon nanotubes
    Publication number: 20080031802
    Abstract: Methods of treating single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes with ozone are provided. The carbon nanotubes are treated by contacting the carbon nanotubes with ozone at a temperature range between 0° C. and 100° C. to yield functionalized nanotubes which are greater in weight than the untreated carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes treated according to methods of the invention can be used to prepare complex structures such as three dimensional networks or rigid porous structures which can be utilized to form electrodes for fabrication of improved electrochemical capacitors. Useful catalyst supports are prepared by contacting carbon nanotube structures such as carbon nanotube aggregates, three dimensional networks or rigid porous structures with ozone in the temperature range between 0° C. and 100° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Ma, Asif Chishti, Lein Ngaw, Alan Fischer, Robert Braden
  • Rigid porous carbon structures, methods of making, methods of using and products containing same
    Publication number: 20070290393
    Abstract: This invention relates to rigid porous carbon structures and to methods of making same. The rigid porous structures have a high surface area which are substantially free of micropores. Methods for improving the rigidity of the carbon structures include causing the nanofibers to form bonds or become glued with other nanofibers at the fiber intersections. The bonding can be induced by chemical modification of the surface of the nanofibers to promote bonding, by adding “gluing” agents and/or by pyrolyzing the nanofibers to cause fusion or bonding at the interconnect points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: HYPERION CATALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Howard Tennent, David Moy, Chun-Ming Niu
  • Surface treatment of carbon microfibers
    Publication number: 20070280874
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing the surface of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent that includes sulfuric acid and potassiaum chlorate under reaction conditions sufficient to oxidize the surface. The invention also features a method of decreasing the length of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent under reaction conditions sufficient to decrease the length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bening, Thomas McCarthy
  • PLASMA-TREATED CARBON FIBRILS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20070280875
    Abstract: A method of treating carbon fibrils and carbon fibril structures such as assemblages, aggregates and hard porous structures with a plasma to effect an alteration of the surface or structure of the carbon fibril or fibrils. The method can be utilized to functionalize, prepare for functionalization or otherwise modify the fibril surface via a “dry” chemical process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Fischer, Robert Hoch
  • Conductive thermosets by extrusion
    Publication number: 20070238826
    Abstract: Methods of preparing conductive thermoset precursors containing carbon nanotubes is provided. Also provided is a method of preparing conductive thermosets containing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may in individual form or in the form of aggregates having a macromorpology resembling the shape of a cotton candy, bird nest, combed yarn or open net. Preferred multiwalled carbon nanotubes have diameters no greater than 1 micron and preferred single walled carbon nanotubes have diameters less than 5 nm. Carbon nanotubes may be adequately dispersed in a thermoset precursor by using a extrusion process generally reserved for thermoplastics. The thermoset precursor may be a precursor for epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, urethane, polyester, vinyl ester or silicone. A preferred thermoset precursor is a bisphenol A derivative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Fischer, Timothy Jozokos, James Leacock, Andrew Rich
  • Method of Using Carbide and/or Oxycarbide Containing Compositions
    Publication number: 20070202033
    Abstract: Compositions including carbide-containing nanorods and/or oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbide containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moy, Chunming Niu, Jun Ma, Jason Willey
  • Methods of Making Carbide And Oxycarbide Containing Catalysts
    Publication number: 20070179050
    Abstract: Methods for forming compositions including carbide-containing nanorods and/or oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides. Rigid porous structures including oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbide containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing modified carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: HYPERION CATALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Ma, David Moy
  • Field emission devices using modified carbon nanotubes
    Publication number: 20070170414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a field emission device comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein said cathode includes carbon nanotubes nanotubes which have been subjected to energy, plasma, chemical, or mechanical treatment. The present invention also relates to a field emission cathode comprising carbon nanotubes which have been subject to such treatment. A method for treating the carbon nanotubes and for creating a field emission cathode is also disclosed. A field emission display device containing carbon nanotube which have been subject to such treatment is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikio Takai, Alan Fischer, Chunming Niu, Howard Tennent, Robert Hoch, Hans Biebuyck