Patents by Inventor Kirk Ziegler

Kirk Ziegler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Length-based liquid-liquid extraction of carbon nanotubes using a phase transfer catalyst
    Publication number: 20060201880
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Kirk Ziegler, Daniel Schmidt, Robert Hauge, Richard Smalley, Irene Marek
  • Ozonation of carbon nanotubes in fluorocarbons
    Publication number: 20060159612
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods of ozonating CNTs in fluorinated solvents (fluoro-solvents), wherein such methods provide a less dangerous alternative to existing ozonolysis methods. In some embodiments, such methods comprise the steps of: (a) dispersing carbon nanotubes in a fluoro-solvent to form a dispersion; and (b) reacting ozone with the carbon nanotubes in the dispersion to functionalize the sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes and yield functionalized carbon nanotubes with oxygen-containing functional moieties. In some such embodiments, the fluoro-solvent is a fluorocarbon solvent, such as a perfluorinated polyether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Kirk Ziegler, Jonah Shaver, Robert Hauge, Richard Smalley, Irene Marek