Abstract: This invention relates generally to gas sensors comprising organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds. The invention also relates to devices containing such gas sensors and analysis units. In preferred embodiments, the organized assemblies of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical vapor deposition process for the continuous growth of a carbon single-wall nanotube where a carbon-containing gas composition is contacted with a porous membrane and decomposed in the presence of a catalyst to grow single-wall carbon nanotube material. A pressure differential exists across the porous membrane such that the pressure on one side of the membrane is less than that on the other side of the membrane. The single-wall carbon nanotube growth may occur predominately on the low-pressure side of the membrane or, in a different embodiment of the invention, may occur predominately in between the catalyst and the membrane. The invention also relates to an apparatus used with the carbon vapor deposition process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical vapor deposition process for the continuous growth of a carbon single-wall nanotube where a carbon-containing gas composition is contacted with a porous membrane and decomposed in the presence of a catalyst to grow single-wall carbon nanotube material. A pressure differential exists across the porous membrane such that the pressure on one side of the membrane is less than that on the other side of the membrane. The single-wall carbon nanotube growth may occur predominately on the low-pressure side of the membrane or, in a different embodiment of the invention, may occur predominately in between the catalyst and the membrane. The invention also relates to an apparatus used with the carbon vapor deposition process.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of a metal salt, such as a metal acetate, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salt for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are formed by chemical vapor deposition using metal nanoparticles as a growth substrate. Control over the size and properties of the carbon nanotubes is achieved by controlling the size of the metal nanoparticles in the growth substrate. The metal nanoparticles of a controlled size may be formed by a thermal decomposition reaction of a metal salt in a passivating solvent.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward composite materials containing nanotubes and an electrically conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene), and devices, such as capacitors, containing the composite materials.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward methods for preparing activated capacitor materials by exposing capacitor material to an electrical potential of sufficient voltage and for a sufficient time to activate the capacitor materials. Compositions of capacitor materials containing carbon nanotubes and other carbon-containing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of a metal salt, such as a metal acetate, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salt for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of a metal salt, such as a metal acetate, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salt for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are formed by chemical vapor deposition using metal nanoparticles as a growth substrate. Control over the size and properties of the carbon nanotubes is achieved by controlling the size of the metal nanoparticles in the growth substrate. The metal nanoparticles of a controlled size may be formed by a thermal decomposition reaction of a metal salt in a passivating solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of elongated carbonaceous article includes a chamber having at least one heating element, a catalyst and a device for generating a magnetic field in proximity to or around the catalyst. In operation, a carbon-containing precursor is introduced to the chamber to contact the catalyst with a sufficient amount of heat to cause the deposition of carbon on the catalyst. Continual deposition of carbon over time forms elongated carbon structures, such as carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes. By operating the device to magnetically confine the catalyst during the formation of the carbon structures, migration of catalyst is reduced or prevented thereby minimizing contaminants in the produced products and improving the useful life of the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) process for the growth of single-wall carbon nanotube (“SWNT”). According to the invention, methane gas is decomposed in the presence of a supported iron-containing catalyst to grow SWNT material within a growth temperature range from about 670° C. to about 800° C. The process provides higher yields of SWNT material and reduces the formation of amorphous carbon. Thus, the SWNT material produced according to the invention will minimize problems associated with purification steps, such as breakage or damage to the SWNT material. The invention provides for the manufacture of SWNT material at lower temperatures, which not only results in lower equipment and processing costs, but also provides compatibility with substrates that cannot be used at higher temperatures. The invention may be used to provide an inexpensive process for the mass production of SWNT material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of elongated carbonaceous article includes a chamber having at least one heating element, a catalyst and a device for generating a magnetic field in proximity to or around the catalyst. In operation, a carbon-containing precursor is introduced to the chamber to contact the catalyst with a sufficient amount of heat to cause the deposition of carbon on the catalyst. Continual deposition of carbon over time forms elongated carbon structures, such as carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes. By operating the device to magnetically confine the catalyst during the formation of the carbon structures, migration of catalyst is reduced or prevented thereby minimizing contaminants in the produced products and improving the useful life of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of doping involves soaking single-walled carbon nanotubes in molten iodine. Excess physisorbed iodine may then be removed by annealing.