Abstract: System and process in which graphene, which may be produced on a commercial scale, is highly purified, then functionalized in a vertical plasma reactor which can also deagglomerate and/or delaminate the graphene, as well as separating or classifying the functionalized graphene particles according to size. In one disclosed embodiment, the graphene is produced by combustion of magnesium (Mg) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a highly exothermic reaction. The graphene is separated from the other reaction products and purified in a series of washing, heating, and drying steps, following which it is functionalized and otherwise processed in the plasma reactor.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 12, 2013
Publication date:
January 16, 2014
Applicant:
High Temperature Physics, LLC
Inventors:
Robert Wayne Dickinson, Douglas Paul DuFaux, Maurice Yvon Belisle
Abstract: Process for producing nanomaterials such as graphenes, graphene composites, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxides and other nanomaterials by high heat vaporization and rapid cooling. In some of the preferred embodiments, the high heat is produced by an oxidation-reduction reaction of carbon dioxide and magnesium as the primary reactants, although additional materials such as reaction catalysts, control agents, or composite materials can be included in the reaction, if desired. The reaction also produces nanomaterials from a variety of other input materials, and by varying the process parameters, the type and morphology of the carbon nanoproducts and other nanoproducts can be controlled. The reaction products include novel nanocrystals of MgO (percilase) and MgAl2O4 (spinels) as well as composites of these nanocrystals with multiple layers of graphene deposited on or intercalated with them.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 16, 2013
Assignee:
High Temperature Physics, LLC
Inventors:
Robert Wayne Dickinson, Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Jon K. Myers, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout, Lawrence Joseph Musetti
Abstract: Process for producing carbon nanospheres and other nano materials with carbon dioxide and magnesium. The carbon dioxide and magnesium are combusted together in a reactor to produce carbon nanospheres and magnesium oxide, which are then separated to provide the individual reaction products. The reaction occurs at a very high temperature, e.g. 2000° F.-5000° F. and also produces large amounts of useful energy in the form of heat and light, including infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Other oxidizing agents such as aluminum can be combined with the magnesium, and the metal oxides produced by the reaction can be recycled to provide additional oxidizing agents for combustion with the carbon dioxide. By varying the reaction temperature, the morphology of the carbon products can be controlled.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 19, 2011
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2013
Assignee:
High Temperature Physics, LLC
Inventors:
Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Robert Wayne Dickinson, Jon K. Myers, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout